People
Stephen Thompson
- DDI: 029 20829136
- sthompson@darwingray.com
- Qualified
- 1993
- Education
- Hutton Grammar School
- University of West England
After qualifying with Morgan Cole, Steve remained with the firm for 3 years as an assistant solicitor. His main areas of practice at that time were general commercial and also banking litigation.
In early 1996, Steve moved to national practice Pinsent Curtis, joining their Birmingham office. Whilst at Pinsents, Steve developed further specialism in insolvency and also franchise litigation.
At the end of 1997, Steve joined Gimblett Williams, a niche Cardiff firm, as an associate solicitor. He subsequently became a partner in 2000. Whilst at Gimblett Williams, Steve further developed his litigation practice and also began to specialise in non-contentious work. Steve moved to Darwin Gray as a partner in 2004. He currently works within the Dispute Resolution team and also the Corporate/Commercial team in relation to franchising and other commercial matters. In addition, Steve regularly advises companies, individuals and insolvency practitioners on all aspects of insolvency
Stephen is regularly involved with construction disputes including professional negligence claims. He has also successfully resolved professional partnership disputes. His particular interest in franchising and his ability to offer both a contentious and non-contentious perspective makes him an expert adviser in relation to franchise disputes.
Examples of work undertaken
Commercial Dispute Resolution
- Professional negligence claims against solicitors, accountants and architects
- Claims against banks and other financial institutions
- Insolvency litigation, acting for both office holders and also former directors
- Defending DTI directors disqualification proceedings
- Construction litigation, including arbitration and adjudication
- Franchise litigation, acting for both franchisors and also franchisees
- Partnership disputes and dissolutions
- Shareholder disputes
Corporate/Commercial
- Advising franchisors and franchisees on their legal obligations
- Software agreements and licenses
- Agency, distribution and other trading agreements
- Partnership deeds
- Company formation and shareholders’ agreements
- Incorporation of businesses
- Standard terms of trading
- General commercial contracts and business acquisitions
- Advice on director’s duties
Cases of note
Steve acted for approximately 50 of the victims of the Gowerton based Halifax “IOU” fraudster, successfully negotiating a substantial settlement on his clients’ behalf with the Halifax.
Memberships
- Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
- Member of the Adjudication Society
- Affiliate of the British Franchise Association
- Member of the Professional Negligence Lawyers Association
Interests
Steve enjoys spending time with his family. His other interests include running and karate.
