GSC Solicitors LLP’s higher rankings in the Legal 500 2021

We are proud to announce another year of continuous achievement in the Legal 500 United Kingdom 2021 rankings. We are even more pleased this year as we have received higher positions in the newly announced rankings.

Our highly ranked Commercial Property department represents a number of blue-chip corporates, fast food franchise owners, hotel owners and private equity funded SPVs on the full gamut of commercial property matters. Led by the ‘trusted and reliable’ Harvey Posener, the practice comes particularly recommended for its Corporate Occupier work, handling significant headquarter leasing and acquisition matters. Harvey is recommended also for his ability to ‘guide the business through multiple complex deals over the years’. Peter Belcher who specialises in Property Finance is described as ‘wonderful at managing teams and complex projects’ and ‘has all-round knowledge of real estate and gets to crux of the deal’. Carole Joseph who works alongside Peter Belcher has also been noted as ‘the only person you need to know in London if you are buying or selling a property’, who ‘takes a practical and long-term approach’.

We are also proud of the increase in the ranking for GSC Solicitors’ Private Client department. Headed by Senior Partner Saleem Sheikh, this practice area has now moved up from tier 5 to tier 4. The team has a growing emphasis on acting for international ultra-high-net-worth (“UHNW”) clients, significant families and owners of blue-chip companies, with assets spread across different countries. Saleem Sheikh commonly deals with issues such as succession planning for the next generation coming into a business or protecting family assets through trusts and structures. Both ‘Saleem Sheikh and James Cohen stand out for their personalised service and attention to detail’. The department’s other strengths include advising on lasting powers of attorney and tax-efficient gifting to children. ‘Personable, knowledgeable and efficient’ James Cohen has also been noted as an expert who has ‘the expertise second to none’ and who ensures that ‘clients are offered a Rolls-Royce service’.

We are particularly excited about the substantial climbing in the ranking for our Commercial Litigation department; it has moved two tiers up (from tier 8 to tier 6), which does not commonly  happen. GSC Solicitors LLP has longstanding relationships with several large clients, including global businesses, UHNW individuals and sizeable family businesses. Our commercial litigation team is referred to as ‘unique’ and as a ‘remarkable mix of highly qualified and experienced solicitors whose talents, as a focussed team, complement one another’. The litigation team is led by Michael Shapiro who focuses on general commercial, contractual and shareholder disputes, as well as property litigation and company and personal insolvency-related disputes. ‘Experienced and knowledgeable litigator’, Michael is also described as ‘very calm, commercial and realistic approach to dispute resolution’. Consultant Barry Samuels specialises in complex cross-border  disputes; he is noted as ‘a litigation legend with decades of experience’, ‘tactically extremely astute’ and ‘with great strategic acumen’. GSC’s next generation lawyers also have been noted. In particular, Commercial Litigation’s Senior Associate Solicitor Sana Sheikh was referred to as a ‘rising star’ and a ‘stand-out associate with a wealth of detailed knowledge and technical expertise’ and ‘will be a force to be reckoned with in the future in commercial litigation’.

GSC Solicitors LLP is recommended for its IP, Media & Entertainment team’s music industry expertise and is particularly active in advising copyright collecting societies including the Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), Video Performance Limited (VPL) and the Performing Right Society (PRS). Justin Goldspink (who leads the team alongside corporate and commercial partner Clive Halperin) is a key contact for PPL and has a breadth of experience across music, copyright and branding matters. Also recommended is Ross Waldram who is a key contact for copyright and trade mark.

Commenting on the 2021 rankings, Senior Partner Saleem Sheikh said: “The Legal 500 is a leading independent guide into the best law firms in the UK. We are delighted that GSC is consistently recognised for our key specialisms including commercial litigation, commercial property, personal tax, trusts and probate, Media & Entertainment as well as the strong importance we place on providing innovative legal services to all our clients, regardless of the size of their business, location or aspirations. Our commitment to excellence reflects the longstanding relationship with our clients, which is the firm’s most valuable asset. In the current climate it is even more important for us to offer the strong guiding hand to businesses and individuals and be there for them as their assiduous support system. We are grateful for and humbled by all the exceptional testimonials provided by our clients.”