December 2019

Peter Blake

Peter joined Prettys in 1987, becoming a partner in 1991.  He is an experienced dispute resolution lawyer, who has helped clients resolve disputes in a variety of fora, including the courts, arbitration and international dispute resolution.

Peter has acted for clients involved in a variety of industries both nationally and internationally. Peter's most recent experience is in construction/property related disputes, alternative dispute resolution (including international arbitration) and cases with an international element.

Peter’s recent work includes:

  • acting for a foreign company against foreign based parties in relation to disputes arising from a patent licence;
  • substantial professional negligence claims against lawyers and construction/property professionals;
  • property disputes arising in the context of developments/proposed developments;
  • landlord and tenant disputes arising from leases and contested renewals;
  • sale of goods disputes arising from international transactions; and
  • acting for a fund manager in relation to a series of investment disputes.

Graham Mead

Graham re-joined Prettys in April 2019 as a partner in the firm’s commercial dispute resolution team.

Graham trained at Prettys and qualified as a solicitor in 1997.  He has worked for Mills & Reeve in both Norwich and London offices, for Howes Percival in their Norwich office, before becoming the commercial litigation partner at Blocks Legal LLP in Ipswich.

Graham has a wealth of litigation experience.  He is a solicitor advocate.

Expertise

  • Breach of contract disputes
  • Company and directors and shareholders disputes
  • Partnership disputes
  • Professional negligence claims
  • Bankruptcy and insolvency matters
  • Commercial Agents Regulations claims
  • Landlord and tenant disputes
  • Land and property disputes
  • Possession and squatter removal
  • Contested inheritance, wills and probate claims
  • Intellectual property disputes
  • Compliance and regulatory matters
  • Construction and building disputes
  • Warranty claims

Graham was described in Legal 500 2019 as having:

‘a straightforward and realistic approach at all times; he acts quickly, tells what you need to know and remains calm and calculated at all times’.

Michael Booth

Michael completed his undergraduate degree in Law at University College, Durham. He went on to gain a distinction in the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in Chester, where he studied electives in commercial law, intellectual property law and the law relating to public companies. He was also awarded a Master of Laws in International Legal Practice. He has won academic prizes in Tort Law, Litigation, and Corporate and Commercial Law.

During his time at university Michael also volunteered with a local branch of a national advice charity.

Michael joined Prettys as a trainee solicitor in September 2015. He has spent seats in the firm’s Corporate and Commercial Law department and its Shipping and Insurance department. He currently works in Prettys’ Commercial Property department.

Michael’s recent work includes:

  • drafting ancillary documentation for the disposal of a cleaning company and assisting with due diligence;
  • preparing an application for the international registration of a trade mark under the Madrid Protocol;
  • advising a client on the legality of website scraping; and
  • drafting a contract for the storage and transport of goods.

Daniel Collett

Daniel Joined Prettys in December 2019 after completing his law degree at Nottingham Trent University and works as a paralegal within the commercial disputes and construction team. Before moving into law he worked as a civil engineer for Costain so his knowledge of the industry  is an asset in our construction law department.

Chris Harrall

Chris is a Consultant to Prettys, Chris’ experience in the construction industry is in excess of over 30 years. He has  experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters, is a regular speaker for various local professional organisations and has significant knowledge of the NEC and JCT suite of contracts.

Expert
Peter Blake
Partner
Graham Mead
Partner
Michael Booth
Senior Associate