Reading & Oxford: Ex-Manches lawyers set up on own

A new law firm, ClaydenLaw, opened for business in Oxford last month. Formed by Piers Clayden, formerly of Manches, the boutique technology law firm was set up by to provide specialist legal advice in the areas of intellectual property, IT, data protection and more general commercial law.

Based at Summertown, the firm's philosophy is to provide experienced commercial legal advice at affordable prices, delivered in a flexible and pro-active way.

Clayden said: “ClaydenLaw’s ethos is straightforward – commercial legal advice with the same quality of service provided by traditional full-service firms but which offers much greater value for money. I am really excited by the opportunities offered by this new venture – businesses should be able to call on specialist, experienced commercial advice which is affordable and good value, especially in the current climate. ClaydenLaw can meet this need with a variety of innovative services which move away from the hourly rate charging model."

Piers Clayden explained he though the time was right to jump ship from a big law firm like Manches and set up on his own as an entrepreneurial lawyer specialising in IT, communications, New media and publishing fields.

Meanwhile, in Reading, another former Manches partner, Simon Emmerson, has also set up on his own.

Emmerson has launched EmmersonLaw, based in central Reading, and offering commercial litigation and dispute resolution services to businesses, in-house legal teams and other law firms.

EmmersonLaw says it is able to offer its clients “realistic and highly competitive alternatives” to fixed hourly rates – a rarity in commercial litigation.

Emmerson was previously a partner in Laytons (2001-4) and Penningtons (2004-8). He has been described by Chambers as a “....highly acclaimed IT and technology disputes specialist...? and “practical, user-friendly and business-oriented”.

Emmerson has represented several household name businesses, from petroleum companies and global electronics manufacturers to software developers and motor racing teams. In 2001/2 he was part of the Laytons team that represented EDS in a Technology & Construction Court claim which settled after 44 days at trial. He is a member of the Technology and Construction Solicitors’ Association.

Away from the office, Emmerson’s passion is motorsport and he will compete in the national Formula 4 Championship in 2010.