Profile

Partner and Head of the firms national Commerce & Technology Unit, Stuart is a Commercial Litigator extensive experience of leading heavyweight commercial disputes with particular emphasis on Technology, Manufacturing and Corporate related disputes (including Warranty Claims, Director actions and Shareholders disputes).

Stuart is recognised and valued by his clients for being able to take a pragmatic and commercial approach to what are often complex and difficult disputes. Stuarts personal approach to client relationships was recently recognised in winning the FT Innovative Lawyer Award 2009 for innovation in billing and costs for the development of a ground breaking "risk and reward" fee structure with client Hewlett Packard. 

Recent experience includes:

• Advising a international supplier of IT software and services in respect of contentious issues arising out of a multi million pound global outsourcing project.
• Advising a private equity backed IT services supplier in respect of a series of warranty and related claims commenced following a corporate disposal.
• Advising a global supplier of  engineering and environmental hydralics services defending a £2.5 million warranty clain following the disposal of a US subsidiary.
• Advising an international toy manufacturer / licensor in respect of a claim brought by a former agents under the Commercial Agents Regulations.

Stuart has extensive experience in utilising ADR processes, particularly mediation, to achieve early commercial resolution, frequently preserving what are important commercial relationships between the parties.  

Having qualified as a solicitor with a City firm in 1995, Stuart joined Shoosmiths in 1997 and promoted to Partner in 2004.

Stuart is a member of the British Computer Society and Society for Computers and Law.

Areas of Practice

• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Litigation
• Litigation and disputes
• Manufacturing