Solicitor at Darwin Gray LLP
Stephen Thompson
Solicitor - Partner
SRA ID: 160617
Stephen is a partner and also head of the firm’s Corporate and Commercial teams. He undertakes a wide range of transactional corporate work including acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, investments and group restructures. Sectors of particular expertise include life sciences, nursing homes, manufacturing, veterinary practices and also hospitality. Stephen also advises on a wide range of commercial issues including franchising and intellectual property. In addition, Stephen has nearly 30 years’ experience advising businesses and individuals in relation to insolvency related legal issues. Stephen’s extensive and lengthy legal career means that he can bring to bear on his legal work a wealth of commercial knowledge and expertise. His commercial experience enables him to deliver legal advice and assistance to his clients that is tailor made to their particular business needs. Stephen is known for his calm, friendly manner and also a highly pragmatic approach to legal problems and issues. He is always able to get straight to the nub of issues for his clients, enabling them to quickly move on with running their businesses and not get bogged down with unnecessary legal niceties. In addition to providing regular support to established businesses, Stephen regularly works with start-ups and growth businesses across a variety of sectors. His wide-ranging legal experience across a variety of business sectors enables him to provide invaluable support to businesses that are in an early stage of their development and growth. On the franchising side, Stephen leads the team with 25 years’ experience in the sector. He has a widely known expertise in the franchising industry, Stephen also works extensively in the Housing Association and charitable sector advising on a range of corporate and also governance issues. Stephen is a regular speaking and writer in relation to a wide range of legal topics including radio and television appearances.
9 Cathedral Road, CF11 9HA
Licensed for 31 years
Practice Areas
Company & Commercial
- Company & Commercial 100%
13 Client Reviews
Overall experience
- Value For Money
- Communication
- Initial Impressions
- Approachability
- Documentation Accuracy
- Legal knowledge
About Stephen Thompson
Stephen is a partner and also head of the firm’s Corporate and Commercial teams. He undertakes a wide range of transactional corporate work including acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, investments and group restructures. Sectors of particular expertise include life sciences, nursing homes, manufacturing, veterinary practices and also hospitality. Stephen also advises on a wide range of commercial issues including franchising and intellectual property. In addition, Stephen has nearly 30 years’ experience advising businesses and individuals in relation to insolvency related legal issues. Stephen’s extensive and lengthy legal career means that he can bring to bear on his legal work a wealth of commercial knowledge and expertise. His commercial experience enables him to deliver legal advice and assistance to his clients that is tailor made to their particular business needs. Stephen is known for his calm, friendly manner and also a highly pragmatic approach to legal problems and issues. He is always able to get straight to the nub of issues for his clients, enabling them to quickly move on with running their businesses and not get bogged down with unnecessary legal niceties. In addition to providing regular support to established businesses, Stephen regularly works with start-ups and growth businesses across a variety of sectors. His wide-ranging legal experience across a variety of business sectors enables him to provide invaluable support to businesses that are in an early stage of their development and growth. On the franchising side, Stephen leads the team with 25 years’ experience in the sector. He has a widely known expertise in the franchising industry, Stephen also works extensively in the Housing Association and charitable sector advising on a range of corporate and also governance issues. Stephen is a regular speaking and writer in relation to a wide range of legal topics including radio and television appearances.
Languages Spoken: English
Contact Stephen Thompson
Resume
LICENSE
Country
Status
Acquired
Updated
United Kingdom
Currently Registered
15/10/93
02/10/24
We found no instances of professional misconduct for this solicitor
WORK EXPERIENCE
Title
Name
Duration
SRA-approved manager - Member
Darwin Gray
?-present
Business Sale Success
For context, I manage a business brokerage, and we recommend Darwin & Gray's services to many of our clients for all things corporate and commercial law.
We were particularly impressed with a recent deal under a tight timeline. Stephen Thompson and his team handled the process incredibly well and ensured our client was provided an excellent service.
I have worked with a couple of solicitors across a number of different deals. However, Darwin Gray has been by far the best. We will continue recommending our clients to use their services for the foreseeable.
Thanks again to all those involved.
Lawyer named in this review: Stephen Thompson
Was this review helpful? Yes
Excellent
Selling a business is a stressful and anxious time but working with Steve and Rich has made the sale so much easier. They were helpful and knowledgeable which gave us comfort that our best interests were being looked after.
Lawyer named in this review: Stephen Thompson
A representative from Darwin Gray LLP responded to this review on 31 October, 2024
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Share sales and Employment contracts
I have used Darwin Gray both professionally and personally. The services provided have been exceptional. The staff have always been very welcoming and helpful. The services have been excellent value for money.. Great team at DG
Lawyer named in this review: Stephen Thompson
A representative from Darwin Gray LLP responded to this review on 04 September, 2024
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Helpful across several cases in short timeframe
I have used Darwin Gray for two main issues recently - firstly suing a builder who walked off a job - Sion helped me negotiate and receive a settlement in an awkward case and before the need to go to court. He was helpful, approachable and provided great advice to guide me on the right track in chasing this.
Secondly Siobhan and Stephen assisted with a commercial transaction involving sometimes complex and urgent interactions with govt. regulatory bodies as well as a tight overall deadline. They were very responsive and helpful in dealing with a myriad of issues created by several parties (buyer, seller, government, agents and solicitors) being involved in the process. This also involved multiple sub-cases dealing with some employment law and landlord/tenant contracts as part of the larger transaction.
Overall very happy with their help and approach and will return - hopefully not too soon!
Lawyer named in this review: Stephen Thompson
A representative from Darwin Gray LLP responded to this review on 17 July, 2023
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Always efficient and helpful service with expert legal knowledge.
We have worked with Darwin Gray for several years tapping into different departments including property, commercial and HR so we can confidently say that they are an outstanding firm to do business with.
They are great solicitors to work with. Not only do they provide expert legal knowledge, but they do so in an easy to understand and friendly manner.
We have always found them to be efficient, approachable and a pleasure to deal with. They provide clear and sensible advice, offer excellent communication and we feel that they represent good value for money.
When running a business, it's important to have a law firm that is there when you need them and one that you can rely on to get things right, the first time. Darwin Gray does just that whilst having a really nice bunch of people to work with. We'd highly recommend them.
Lawyer named in this review: Stephen Thompson
A representative from Darwin Gray LLP responded to this review on 13 July, 2023
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Brand Licence Agreement
I was recommended by a Company in the Midlands to contact Darwin Gray, as we needed a Brand Licence Agreement creating. I knew what we wanted but in reality didn't know how to get there, hence needing expertise to achieve this.
My dealings were with Stephen Thompson, who was very patient, attentive, helpful and informative -
Honestly, I couldn't be more Grateful and Appreciative in the Legal Advice and Direction received to complete this Licence, that now allows us a company to complete that next jigsaw step in our growth.
I will not hesitate in using Stephen and Darwin Gray again in the future, and genuinely I would highly recommend their services where ever you are in the country!!! In my opinion they should be ranked 1st - Thank you!
Lawyer named in this review: Stephen Thompson
A representative from Darwin Gray LLP responded to this review on 30 June, 2023
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Business Sale
Having worked with Stephen Thompson on previous occasions- it was a ‘no brainer’ to ask him to represent me in the sale of my business. Both Emily and Steve demonstrated extensive knowledge and were very quick and efficient in preparing things for what proves to be a very smooth sale. Highly recommend.
Lawyer named in this review: Stephen Thompson
A representative from Darwin Gray LLP responded to this review on 21 April, 2023
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Excellent service from an approachable team
It was a pleasure to work with Steve and Emily on the transition of our company to Employee Ownership. Their advice was always clearly explained in plain language that we could understand. It was great that Steve was able to meet with us in person at our North Wales and Birkenhead locations. He also gave a helpful presentation to our Employee Representives. The legal documentation that Emily prepared was accompanied by helpful explanatory notes making it easier to understand the purpose and meaning of the provisions. She responded promptly to queries with clear and helpful answers.
We would highly recommend Darwin Gray for their excellent professional service and friendly approach.
Lawyer named in this review: Stephen Thompson
A representative from Darwin Gray LLP responded to this review on 11 April, 2023
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Great service and professionalism
From start to finish my dealings with Darwin Gray was excellent with Partner Stephen Thompson assessing our needs perfectly and then delegated to one of his Team Siobhan Williams to save us costs(very refreshing gave a fixed price quote) whilst overseeing, Siobhan did everything we needed and more with what she suggested to conclusion.
Would not hesitate in recommending highly.
Lawyer named in this review: Stephen Thompson
A representative from Darwin Gray LLP responded to this review on 06 March, 2023
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Approachable and efficient
The approachable and efficient Stephen Thompson thinks commercially, is incredibly responsive and takes a proactive and proportionate approach to risk.
Lawyer named in this review: Stephen Thompson
Was this review helpful? Yes