Property is the cornerstone of many businesses. Property developers, Banks, City landlords, constructions companies and offshore investors are among the firm's property clients. We understand the need for urgency and constant vigilance in property transactions. Without advisers who know the ins and outs, buying and selling property can be a high risk activity. Advice after action is as good as rain after the harvest. We work with our clients every step of the way - to advise against unwise moves and to identify problems before it is too late. We act in all types of property transactions, including acquisition and sale of City buildings and portfolios, large-scale sale and lease-back transactions, joint ventures, foreign investment, leasing and property-related financing.

We advise a wide variety of businesses, ranging from fledgling partnerships to multinational companies and from individuals to financial institutions. Whether our clients are negotiating an international syndicated loan, entering a major contract, considering a corporate acquisition or starting a new enterprise, we advise them quickly and efficiently in relation to the issues encountered and the best way forward. Our advice saves our clients time and money. As legal advisers to a wide range of businesses, we see our role as working with our clients to help them achieve a competitive advantage.

The primary role of this Department is the resolution of disputes and claims. Whether our clients are embroiled in an international business dispute, have a problem with a tenant or wish to pursue a substantial damages claim, we provide timely and cost-effective solutions. We act assertively to protect and advance our clients' interests. We listen carefully to our clients, focus on their needs and objectives, and give commercial advice. We resolve disputes through negotiation, meditation and, where necessary, Court action. We always strive to ensure the best possible results for our clients.

This Department acts for Banks, Trade Finance Houses and for corporations involved in international and UK finance transactions. These transactions include structured finance, advances, securitisation and leasing. In addition to non-contentious banking services, we provide problem-solving and dispute resolution services for Banks and other finance providers. Among other litigation services, we specialise in proceedings to enforce mortgages and guarantees, banker/customer disputes, debt recovery and lender liability claims.

The successful commercialisation of technology and intellectual property involves securing protection through patents, designs, copyright, trade marks, confidential information (including trade secrets) and rights in circuit layouts. Commercial arrangements need to be negotiated and documented. We assist our clients in negotiating and preparing appropriate agreements and licences. Additionally, we act to protect and promote our clients' interests when they become embroiled in disputes. We have experience in diverse types of intellectual property and IT litigation, ranging from infringement of copyright in artistic works to substantial injunction and damages actions relating to pirating of technology and misuse of confidential information in software.

Increasingly business is being conducted globally, across cultures and languages. Asia is playing a forefront role in today's business world. Batt Holden has long enjoyed close ties with the Asian business community. We act for a wide range of Asian clients, from large trading corporations to financial institutions and private investors. Many of our clients are based offshore. For example, we represent clients from Pakistan, India, Malaysia, South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. We provide an efficient and results-oriented service, and regularly make trips abroad to ensure we stay up to date with our overseas clients' needs and circumstances. The primary objective of our Asian Practice Group is to support clients who are doing business in the region, as well as Asian clients who are carrying on (or wish to carry on) business in the UK.

We advise on varied contentious and non-contentious issues relating to carriage of goods by sea. This covers a wide range of areas, from drafting a charter party or bill of lading to pursuing or defending breach of contract proceedings for damaged cargo. We regularly attend arbitration hearings on behalf of our clients. In addition, we provide legal advice on other shipping aspects, including pilotage and towage, wreck and salvage, safety of life and property and liens on ships, freight and cargo.

We advise companies and individuals in connection with applications for leave to enter or remain in the UK for employment purposes or to establish a business. We also assist clients in steering through the maze of rules relating to obtaining leave to enter the UK as either an investor or a person of independent means.

We provide prompt and pragmatic advice in relation to a range of work place issues that confront today's employers and employees. We regularly advise employers on a wide range of areas, including employer's responsibilities, employment contracts, hiring and termination, work place, health and safety and issues relating to confidentiality, solicitation of customers and ex-employees setting up business in competition against a former employer. Additionally, we also provide advice to employees on subjects ranging from unfair dismissal to harassment in the work place.