Business Details
39 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Services in Derby
Smith Partnership combines decades of legal expertise with a client-centric approach, offering practical and jargon-free legal advice tailored to individual and business needs. Established in 1987, our firm prioritises client care, with a team of dedicated legal professionals operating across offices in Derby, Leicester, Burton upon Trent, Stoke-on-Trent, and Swadlincote. We specialise in areas such as family law, employment law, commercial property, and clinical negligence, supported by accreditations from Lexcel and The Law Society.Our commitment to transparency includes clear pricing information for services like conveyancing and probate. Recognised as a Top Tier Firm in the Legal 500 2026, we provide straight-talking, solution-focused legal support, ensuring continuity from initial consultation through to court representation. Our team includes specialists like Muctar Johal, a renowned childcare law expert, and James Johnson, a highly rated employment law partner.
Services
Family Law
Employment Law
Commercial Property
Clinical Negligence
Wills and Probate
Childcare Law
Personal Injury
Business Defence
Residential Conveyancing
Dispute Resolution
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of legal expertise tailored to individual client needs.
- Our team includes specialists like Muctar Johal, a leading childcare law expert.
- We provide transparent pricing for services including conveyancing and probate.
- Recognised as a Top Tier Firm in the Legal 500 2026.
- We maintain a client-centric approach with offices across the East Midlands.
Associations and certifications
- Lexcel
- The Law Society
What people say
Exceptional advocacy skills
Prompt, professional service
Constructive dispute resolution
Transparent fee structures
Deep sector expertise
Services
Family Law
Our Family Law team specialises in financial aspects of relationship breakdowns, prenuptial agreements, and child custody arrangements. Led by Ruth Jones, we provide strategic, compassionate advice tailored to complex cases involving high-value assets or sensitive child welfare issues. Our approach prioritises constructive resolutions while preparing for litigation when necessary.
Employment Law
James Johnson heads our Employment Law practice, advising employers and employees on disputes, settlement agreements, and tribunal representation. With expertise in TUPE transfers and discrimination claims, we deliver commercial outcomes while minimising risk. Our services include contract reviews, exit negotiations, and defending disciplinary investigations.
Commercial Property
Jason Wood leads our Commercial Property team, handling site assemblies, development agreements, and institutional leases. We represent developers, healthcare providers, and hospitality businesses in transactions exceeding 10 million. Recent work includes advising a US medical equipment sterilisation firm on a bespoke factory development in Derbyshire.
Childcare Law
Muctar Johal, a Solicitor Advocate with 28 years' experience, leads our Childcare Law department. We represent parents, local authorities, and CAFCASS in complex public law cases involving allegations of abuse, neglect, or international surrogacy disputes. Our team handles high-profile matters reported in the High Court and Court of Appeal.
Clinical Negligence
Patrick Booth specialises in severe clinical negligence cases against NHS trusts, including birth injuries and life-changing misdiagnoses. As a Court of Protection Deputy, he secures compensation for clients with catastrophic injuries. Our team combines legal expertise with compassionate support for clients navigating complex medical-legal challenges.
People
Muctar Johal
Partner & Head of Childcare
Qualified in 1991, Muctar specialises in public childcare law, representing clients in High Court cases involving abuse allegations and surrogacy disputes. Recognised in The Legal 500 for exceptional advocacy, he lectures nationally on child protection law.
James Johnson
Partner
Employment law specialist with 20 years' experience, James advises SMEs and senior executives on disputes, settlement agreements, and tribunal cases. Clients praise his pragmatic advice and ability to handle urgent matters with empathy and efficiency.
Jason Wood
Partner & Head of Commercial Property
With 30 years' experience, Jason handles complex property transactions including 10m+ developments. He advises healthcare providers and hospitality groups on acquisitions, leases, and financing agreements, combining technical expertise with sector-specific insights.
Ruth Jones
Partner & Head of Family
Ruth specialises in high-value financial divorce settlements and child custody cases. A Resolution member and trained mediator, she focuses on constructive resolutions while preparing robust litigation strategies for complex family law matters.
Patrick Booth
Associate
Clinical negligence expert with 40 years' experience, Patrick represents clients in severe medical error cases. A former Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal member, he combines legal acumen with compassionate support for clients seeking justice for NHS negligence.
Questions
What areas of law does Smith Partnership specialise in?
We specialise in family law, employment law, commercial property, clinical negligence, wills and probate, and business defence litigation, with offices across the East Midlands.
Are your legal fees transparent?
Yes, we provide clear pricing information for services including conveyancing, probate, and employment advice in accordance with SRA guidelines.
Do you offer remote consultations?
Yes, we conduct virtual meetings via phone or video call for client convenience, particularly for matters like settlement agreements and will drafting.
What accreditations does Smith Partnership hold?
We are accredited by Lexcel and The Law Society, reflecting our commitment to excellence in legal services and client care standards.
How experienced is your legal team?
Our partners have 20-30 years' experience each, with specialists like Muctar Johal (childcare law) and James Johnson (employment law) regularly handling complex, high-value cases.
