Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Commercial Law Partner
Bermans is a multi-award-winning commercial law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, established in 1970. Our partner-led approach ensures clients receive clear, uncomplicated legal advice tailored to their business objectives. Recognised by The Legal 500 as a top-tier firm, we specialise in Asset Finance and Invoice Finance, having won 'Best Receivables Finance Lawyer 2021'. Our team of over 45 legal experts delivers cost-effective solutions across a comprehensive range of commercial law services.With a national reputation for accessibility and expertise, we serve SMEs and owner-managed businesses, combining decades of experience with a proactive, client-focused ethos. Our ISO 9001 certification and regulation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority underscore our commitment to quality and professionalism. We maintain long-standing client relationships through pragmatic advice, sector-specific knowledge, and a dedication to achieving practical outcomes efficiently.
Services
Asset Finance
Invoice Finance
Corporate Law
Employment Law
Litigation
Insolvency
Commercial Contracts
Intellectual Property
Property Law
Debt Recovery
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We are ISO 9001 certified for quality management.
- Our Asset Finance team won 'Best Receivables Finance Lawyer 2021'.
- Partner-led approach ensures direct access to senior lawyers.
- Recognised in The Legal 500 for excellence in commercial law.
- Over 50 years of experience serving SMEs and owner-managed businesses.
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Highly experienced
Pragmatic approach
Exceptional service
Commercially focussed
Timely and professional
Services
Asset Finance
Bermans' Asset Finance team provides expert legal advice to commercial finance providers and SMEs. With market-leading expertise, we handle transactional and litigation matters, ensuring cost-effective solutions tailored to clients' funding needs. Our Liverpool and Manchester-based partners combine decades of experience to deliver exceptional service in this specialist field.
Corporate Law
Our Corporate Law practice advises on mergers, acquisitions, and business structuring for owner-managed companies. Recognised in The Legal 500, we offer pragmatic commercial advice that balances technical excellence with real-world business considerations, ensuring smooth transactions and strategic growth opportunities for our clients.
Employment Law
Bermans' Employment Law team provides comprehensive advice on workplace issues, from contract disputes to tribunal representation. Our solicitors combine legal expertise with practical solutions, ensuring compliance while protecting business interests and employee rights across various industry sectors.
Litigation
Our Litigation practice handles complex commercial disputes with a pragmatic approach focused on achieving favourable outcomes. Specialising in debt recovery and contractual disputes, we represent clients in court proceedings while prioritising cost-effective resolution strategies to minimise business disruption.
Insolvency
Bermans' Insolvency team offers clear guidance on corporate recovery and restructuring. We advise creditors, administrators, and businesses facing financial difficulties, providing strategic solutions that maximise returns while navigating complex insolvency regulations with professional integrity.
People
Alex Chapman
Partner & Head of Asset Finance
Alex Chapman leads Bermans' Asset Finance team with over 20 years' experience in commercial finance. Recognised in The Legal 500, he provides exceptional service to alternative finance providers and SMEs across the UK.
David Gledhill
Partner
David Gledhill specialises in Asset Finance from Bermans' Manchester office. With extensive experience in invoice financing, he delivers pragmatic legal solutions to commercial finance companies operating nationwide.
Phil Farrelly
Partner
Phil Farrelly provides expert insolvency advice with a focus on practical commercial solutions. Recognised by The Legal 500, he combines deep sector knowledge with a client-focused approach to financial recovery matters.
Barney Leaf
Partner
Barney Leaf leads Bermans' Corporate practice, offering technically excellent and commercially sound advice. With experience spanning multiple sectors, he delivers strategic legal solutions for business transactions and growth initiatives.
Nick Harvey
Partner
Nick Harvey specialises in commercial litigation, providing accessible legal expertise with a focus on achieving practical outcomes. Recognised for clear communication, he represents clients in complex disputes across various industries.
Questions
What areas of law does Bermans specialise in?
Bermans specialises in Asset Finance, Invoice Finance, Corporate Law, Employment Law, Litigation, and Insolvency. We're particularly recognised for our market-leading Asset Finance practice and Corporate Commercial expertise.
How does Bermans' partner-led approach benefit clients?
Our partner-led model ensures direct access to senior lawyers who take personal responsibility for client matters, combining expert knowledge with tailored service to deliver practical, cost-effective solutions.
Are Bermans regulated by any professional bodies?
Yes, we're regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and certified under ISO 9001 for quality management, ensuring the highest standards of professional conduct and service delivery.
Do Bermans handle international legal matters?
While based in the UK, we assist clients with international transactions through our global network of partner law firms, providing seamless legal support across jurisdictions for corporate and commercial matters.
