Testimonials
“Marcus Hayes is a tough, perceptive and seasoned litigator with strong commercial acumen and expert knowledge in various key areas of litigation procedure and case law. He has extensive negotiation, management and communication skills and time and time again delivers the right results for his clients with enthusiasm, passion and care. In addition to all this, Marcus is committed to promoting and developing access to the legal profession to aspiring young entrants from poorer backgrounds. In this regard we are pleased to offer annual work placements with our in house legal teams at a number of our offices. I deeply admire the contribution and enhancement that Marcus has made to the legal profession over the many years I have known him.”
Tim Morris, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, TalkTalk Telecom Group Limited
“After reviewing several law firms to assist with the sale of our group, we proceeded with Karen at Mason Hayes. I can honestly say it has been a pleasure working with Karen as she is second to none, with her sector expertise and experience. Karen is very committed to her work with excellent attention to detail and an exceptional aptitude to execute quickly, which is exactly what you want from a lawyer and rarely get!! I would recommend Karen to any business for their legal requirements”.
James Evans, Managing Director of Sunrise Associates Ltd
“At Knight we work with a range of lawyers but we have found that Karen’s industry expertise, gained from her time at Opal Telecom and Talk Talk, and her commercial awareness is unrivalled in the sector. This ensures that the transaction process is more efficient and that clients are focused on the key issues of the legal process. We have recommended Karen to clients and feedback has been very positive.”
Paul Billingham, Director, Knight Corporate Finance Limited
We chose Karen Houghton and Mason Hayes to act on our behalf in the sale of Modern Communications after reviewing several law firms local to us in central London. Karen held several advantages to us over other firms. Firstly being her very real sector expertise and experience gained from working in the industry. Secondly, her commitment to work towards an early completion with a fallback to a later date if required was essential. Thirdly, the workload was very well understood and a sliding scale fee structure was agreed and absolutely honored, unlike so many other deals I have been involved in or know of. Karen acted on behalf of the vendors, working closely with key advisors and myself throughout the 10-week process. Karen’s experience and diligence contributed enormously to the sale process. I doubt the deal would have run so smooth, as all parties agreed it did, without Karen’s involvement. I would have no hesitation in recommending Karen Houghton for any sale process, especially in the technology or service provision sector.
Adrian Barnard, Managing Director, Modern Communications Limited on its sale to Elitetele.com plc
“When it comes to commercial disputes, it is always a relief to have Marcus on our side. Consistently keen, sharp and perceptive, Marcus is a real litigation brawler with incredible sector and commercial knowledge, which is rare for an external lawyer. Marcus is a first class lawyer and I am always reassured by his calming presence when I instruct him in any litigation matter. Marcus is a first class leader and he really does care as much about our business as he does about his own. As a company we are also active supporters of the Mason Hayes Charitable Trust. This was started by Marcus to support law students from poorer backgrounds. Marcus has devoted a lot of time and energy to this cause, whilst continuing to deliver a first class legal service. Marcus really is giving a lot back to the development of the legal profession and should be commended for this”.
Neil Farquharson, Head of Legal (TV, Mobile & Consumer Operations), TalkTalk Telecom Group plc
“Management were very highly regarded both within and externally to the firm. From feedback given and many of those interviewed stated they were inspired by management with regard to not only technical skills but in terms of ethical support and direction, leading the way. The level of leadership and commitment to the firm was positive and demonstrable.”
Gabrielle Owens, Investors in People Assessor
Karen Houghton and Mason Hayes supported the sale of my business City Numbers to J2 Global, a NASDAQ listed global company. We selected Karen to work on the sale due to her experience in the industry and her knowledge of purchasing telecoms companies. Our thoughts were “if she knows how to construct a contract to buy a business, she will know what to look out for during the sale”.
The entire process lasted for 3 months and Karen was worth every single penny spent! Her attention to detail was perfect and her negotiating skills, executed during the removal of items, was fantastic. Karen was absolutely key to this being a smooth transaction. I would without hesitation, recommend Karen to any business for their legal needs.
Craig Busst, Managing Director, City Numbers on its sale to J2 Global
“Mason Hayes Solicitors is clearly a “value driven organisation”. Seeking to break away from the “norm” in legal practice, the firm has created a highly flexible, supportive and responsible organisation. The firm ensures people have an effective work/life balance, it supports the development of Trainee Solicitors and provides tangible support for undergraduates. The organisation has been highly successful to date and the philosophy and values that form the foundation of it should bring additional benefits as the company continues to progress.”
John G Gordon, Investors in People Assessor
“The innovative way Mason Hayes carried out the transaction from start to finish was completely different to every other legal firm who pitched to act for us on the deal. I would recommend Mason Hayes to all companies who are just thinking of selling or just wanting to grow their business.”
Paul Gouge, Chief Executive Officer and majority shareholder of Rockpool Games plc on its sale to SCI Group plc
“An effective and efficient debt collection service that never takes no for an answer.”
Louise Bowtell, Credit Control Manager, B&D Print Services Limited
“Marcus is a model example of the standards required in a high-profile profession. Marcus comes across as a thoroughly likeable and decent person who is interested in other people and happens to be an intelligent expert lawyer as well. This assists in dealing with opponents as well as clients. I have worked with Marcus on many cases over a long period of time. Whilst some of those cases have been extraordinarily difficult, they have never gone to court unless the client’s interests necessitated it. Different clients have different needs, but as a barrister it is always easier doing the case if the client, whatever they are like and whether an individual or company, are being properly looked after. In my view Marcus is just what a solicitor should be.”
Michael Booth KC, New Square Chambers, London
“Mason Hayes has redefined the paradigm by which legal work for companies is both delivered and charged for. If you think your business is unique then you need advice to match. You will not be disappointed.”
Peter Busby, Chief Executive Officer and majority shareholder of Xayce plc on its sale to Morse plc
“In my experience it’s rare to find a litigation lawyer who advises against taking any action in a dispute for fear the only people to benefit from so doing would be the litigation lawyers in the matter. Marcus does. His knowledge is exemplary and his advice is always sound. I’ve always found Marcus to be level headed, pragmatic, balanced in his approach and extremely commercial. His involvement certainly helps to smooth the process and it is always comforting to know we have a trusted subject matter expert on whom we can rely.”
Andy Sunderland, General Counsel, Dixons Carphone plc
“My firm has used other firms for debt recovery but I find Mason Hayes friendly and extremely experienced. They operate with tact and sensitivity to our needs and are very good at communicating with individuals at all levels. They have excellent client skills and closely monitor each case we send to them throughout the litigation process.”
Kevin Smith, Managing Director, City Distribution Limited
“Cashflow is the lifeline of our business. Since involving Mason Hayes in my company’s debt collection, our clients know that excuses for non-payment will not be tolerated. An excellent service.”
Bob Sweetlove, Business Manager, Hugh Symons Communications
“In the various roles I have held as General Counsel over a number of years, I have instructed Marcus. This is because his client service and care are exemplary. You know that if he is acting for you the service you receive will be first class. It gives you a great feeling of confidence to know that he is acting for you and is in your corner. In addition to the excellent legal advice he provides, I have been particularly impressed with the launch of the Mason Hayes Charitable Trust. The work that Marcus has done for first generation graduates is simply fantastic. His charity is a wonderful creation and its success is a testament to his vision and enthusiasm for this very worthy project. It has really helped to transform the lives of the students who have benefited from it. We have seen this at first hand and as a company, we have been delighted to be able to assist Marcus with his launch of this charity. We hope to continue our involvement for many years to come. Marcus should be very, very proud of his achievements both at Mason Hayes and through his partnership with the University of Sussex. I know that he does not do these things for public acknowledgement but his efforts are extremely worthy of recognition.”
Tim O’Gorman, Group General Counsel/Company Secretary, VPS Specialist Group
“A good, quick and proactive service. I cannot speak highly enough of this firm.”
Andrew Smith, Principal, AD Smith & Co
“When Mason Hayes was instructed by our company they had a very good understanding of our line of business. The advice provided was always very good in a way that it was easy for non-legal minds to understand. Without doubt looking after clients is at the centre of everything that they do.”
Phil Ellams, Director, Power Gems Limited
“Knowledgable, realistic, approachable and efficient. Mason Hayes identifies what clients need and delivers it to them consistently”.
Nic Cooper, Managing Director, Automac UK Limited
“I have no hesitation in using Mason Hayes for all of my employment requirements. I find the advice that they offer for my developing business to be commercial, practical and clear cut.”
Jason Williams, Managing Director, Caterkleen Deep Clean Services Limited
“My company always tries to avoid litigation disputes. When we have needed them, Mason Hayes has provided straightforward, practical advice and has been proactive in helping us achieve a sensible, commercial resolution. Not only will my company continue to retain Mason Hayes as a litigation advisor but also I have no hesitation in recommending their services.”
Paul Vines, Head of Legal, TalkTalk Business
“I have instructed Mason Hayes since 2002 on a variety of matters. I have an excellent relationship with the firm. The advice given is practical, in plain English, and goes to the heart of the matter. I have no hesitation in recommending them to other creditors, directors or insolvency practitioners.
Ian Williamson, Partner, Campbell Crossley & Davis
(Licensed Insolvency Practitioners)
“We have known Marcus for many years as an Instructing Solicitor to Chambers. From both the Barristers’ and Clerks’ points of view Marcus is highly thought of and a delight to work with. Within the course of the last couple of years, Atkin Chambers has also become involved with the Mason Hayes Charitable Trust Scheme, which offers financial sponsorship to first generation University students who may not otherwise have an opportunity to work towards a career in the law, together with mentoring and the opportunity to gain work experience in some otherwise inaccessible organisations such as Barristers Chambers. We have been inspired by Marcus’ work on this scheme and Chambers were honoured to be asked to participate. Our inaugural placements arrived in Chambers during the Autumn of 2012 and we shall continue to work with Marcus and the University of Sussex moving forward to ensure the programme remains the great success that it is.”
Simon Slattery, Senior Clerk, Atkin Chambers, London
“I really enjoyed my work experience. The tasks challenged me, and therefore forced me to think in ways I haven’t before. This has helped me greatly to expand how I would approach similar situations now. This experience has affirmed my interest in commercial law. I’ve returned home certain that I want to navigate more challenges, and excited to learn as much as I can doing so. I found the experience really insightful. I have learnt significant lessons regarding self-belief, attention to detail, and organisation.”
Chloe Hughes, Sussex undergraduate
“I would like to express my appreciation for the experience yourself and your team have given me this week; I have learnt a great deal. I am also grateful that you opened your office on a bank holiday to accommodate my work schedule.”
Sherifah Lahan, Sussex graduate
“I would just like to say thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to gain work experience at Talk Talk. I had a really good week and gained so much knowledge and valuable experience. I now have a good understanding of what being an in-house lawyer would involve, which has opened more opportunities for my career.”
Alexandra Bridson, Sussex graduate
“I would like to thank you so much for this invaluable experience which has definitely opened my eyes to the practical side of being in a solicitor, something which I never would have learnt at university. I thank you also for the time and effort you have all given in order to allow me to get involved in particular tasks and explaining to me how procedures work.”
Lucia Corsini, Sussex graduate
“I would like to thank you for me giving an opportunity to work at Mason Hayes. The vacation scheme at the firm gave me an insight into what would be required of me as a solicitor and the importance of managing clients’ expectations whilst knowing the law. I really enjoyed working in a more informal environment that was equally if not more focused on efficiency and quality than other law firms.”
Mohammed Hasan, Sussex graduate
“I recently carried out some work experience in the Legal Department at TalkTalk business. I thoroughly enjoyed the week and really benefitted from the hands-on experience I was given.”
Alexandra Kinsey, Sussex graduate
“I had a week work experience within your legal department last November, as part of the Mason Hayes work experience. If it wasn’t for you and your team I would never be here, and I am grateful and thankful from all my heart to all of you, because you opened a door for me, which was there, but I needed glasses to see it. The experience in Manchester made me more confident and now I can believe in myself.”
Nicoleta Joyce, Sussex graduate
