I am Andrew Cromby, a partner at Weightmans – a commercial law firm in the City of London, having joined that firm from my previous practice, Bracher Rawlins. I have more than 25 years’ experience as a commercial litigator and a substantial part of my practice involves acting for partnerships, including acting for solicitors, accountants, property developers, stock brokers and other professionals. I also deal with disputes between shareholders – some of which are “quasi-partnerships”. I explain more about quasi-partnerships in this blog.
I am a member of the Association of Partnership Practitioners and for more than a decade have been listed as a leader in the field of partnership disputes in two of the UK’s leading independent legal directories – Chambers UK and the Legal 500.
Earlier editions of Chambers UK said:
“Andrew Cromby continues to win acclaim across the market. With expertise in contentious partnership matters, he is applauded for “striking a good balance between being a tough, astute litigator and a supportive, understanding individual.” A “commercially savvy and insightful tactician,” he enjoys a loyal client following appreciative of his “ability to steer a clear, sensible course through very troubled waters.” Peers clearly share this admiration, concurring that he “would be a valuable asset to whichever firm he chose to work for.” “
and:
“Andrew Cromby of Bracher Rawlins LLP is a highly experienced litigator with a focus on partnership law disputes. Sources describe him as “an excellent adviser with extensive technical knowledge and excellent commercial awareness,” and “a master tactician who knows how to weaken his opponent at the right time.” “
Earlier editions of the Legal 500 said:
“At Bracher Rawlins LLP, Andrew Cromby ‘impresses with his excellent knowledge, sound commercial acumen and exemplary bedside manner’. He regularly handles contentious issues, and recently advised on a hostile accountancy demerger and contentious partner exits at a law firm.“
Because I have acted for many law firms and solicitors over the years I have also been called a “lawyers’ lawyer“.
As well as being a partner at Weightmans, I have practised at two larger commercial law firms. During my career I have been a head of department and an elected executive committee member, active in running the firm’s business. Amongst the cases that I have advised on are numerous partnership disputes for a diverse range of clients. My experience includes extracting and expelling partners, the dissolution of partnerships, mergers and demergers, resisting and enforcing restrictive covenants and the taking of partnership accounts.