Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Commercial Law Partner in Liverpool & Manchester
Bermans is a multi-award-winning commercial law firm established in 1970, with offices in Liverpool and Manchester. Our partner-led approach ensures clients receive clear, uncomplicated legal advice tailored to their business objectives. With over 50 years of experience, we are market leaders in asset finance and invoice finance, recognised by The Legal 500 as a top-tier firm for debt recovery. Our team of 45+ legal experts delivers cost-effective solutions across corporate, commercial, employment, and insolvency law. We maintain ISO 9001 certification and are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, ensuring the highest standards of service.Our accessible approach combines deep expertise with practical advice, supporting SMEs and owner-managed businesses nationally and internationally. Clients benefit from direct partner engagement, avoiding junior delegation common in larger firms. Our history of innovation and client loyalty, including 20+ year relationships, reflects our commitment to pragmatic, timely legal support. We operate as part of the MAPD Group, enhancing our capacity to deliver positive outcomes for clients.
Services
Asset Finance
Invoice Finance
Corporate Law
Employment Law
Litigation
Insolvency
Commercial Contracts
Property Law
Intellectual Property
Debt Recovery
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We are ISO 9001 certified for quality management
- Recognised by The Legal 500 for debt recovery expertise
- Partner-led approach with direct client engagement
- Specialist asset finance team with 50+ years' experience
- Delivered cost-effective solutions for SMEs since 1970
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
- ISO 9001
What people say
Cost-effective service
Pragmatic advice
Exceptional service
Highly efficient
Commercial approach
Services
Asset Finance
Bermans provides specialist asset finance legal services, advising lenders and borrowers on secured transactions, leasing arrangements, and asset-based lending. Our team has particular expertise in invoice financing, supporting commercial finance companies and SMEs with tailored solutions. We combine technical knowledge with practical commercial advice to ensure transactions proceed efficiently while protecting client interests.
Invoice Finance
As market leaders in invoice finance, we advise on all aspects of receivables financing, including facility documentation, due diligence, and regulatory compliance. Our lawyers have developed particular expertise in this niche area, with partners recognised by The Legal 500 for their exceptional service to finance companies. We support clients in structuring effective financing arrangements while mitigating legal risks.
Corporate Law
Our corporate law team handles transactions including mergers, acquisitions, and management buyouts for businesses across the UK. With partners like Steve Jarman and Barney Leaf, we provide technically excellent yet commercially pragmatic advice, consistently delivering timely solutions for corporate clients. We specialise in cross-border transactions through our international network of legal partners.
Litigation
Bermans offers practical dispute resolution services covering commercial litigation, debt recovery, and insolvency-related disputes. Our approach focuses on achieving cost-effective outcomes through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings when necessary. The team has particular strength in asset recovery cases and complex commercial disputes involving SMEs and financial institutions.
Employment Law
We provide comprehensive employment law services to employers and employees, covering contract drafting, workplace disputes, disciplinary matters, and tribunal representation. Our lawyers offer accessible, timely advice that balances legal compliance with commercial realities. Clients benefit from sector-specific knowledge across industries including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.
People
Alex Chapman
Partner & Head of Employment
Specialist employment lawyer with extensive experience advising businesses on HR matters, disciplinary cases, and tribunal representation. Recognised for providing timely, practical advice that balances legal compliance with commercial needs while maintaining client confidentiality.
David Gledhill
Partner
Experienced finance lawyer specialising in invoice financing solutions for SMEs. Provides exceptional client service through deep market knowledge and a focus on building long-term relationships with lenders and borrowers across the North West region.
Jon Davage
Managing Director & Head of Corporate
Corporate law expert with particular experience in business sales and acquisitions. Delivers commercially focused legal advice, ensuring transactions proceed smoothly while protecting client interests through clear, protective documentation.
Phil Farrelly
Partner
Insolvency specialist with deep knowledge of corporate recovery processes. Provides pragmatic advice on insolvency appointments, asset recovery, and restructuring options while maintaining awareness of case strengths and weaknesses.
Chris McDonough
Partner
Commercial contracts expert advising businesses on agreement drafting and negotiation. Known for innovative approaches, timely support, and developing deep understanding of client operations to deliver tailored legal solutions.
Questions
What areas of law does Bermans specialise in?
Bermans specialises in asset finance, invoice finance, corporate transactions, employment law, litigation, insolvency, and commercial contracts. We're particularly renowned for our market-leading work in receivables financing.
How is Bermans different from larger law firms?
As a partner-led firm, your matter is handled directly by experienced partners rather than junior lawyers. This ensures consistent, high-quality service with immediate access to senior legal expertise throughout your case.
Do Bermans handle international legal matters?
Yes, through our extensive network of international law firm connections, we assist clients with cross-border transactions, global IT licensing, joint ventures, and international debt recovery cases across major economic regions.
Are Bermans regulated by any official bodies?
We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and hold ISO 9001 certification for quality management systems, ensuring adherence to the highest professional standards in all our legal services.
How quickly can I expect a response from Bermans?
Clients consistently praise our timely responses, with partners like Adrian Fryer noted for answering calls and emails 'with amazing speed' while maintaining the highest standards of legal expertise.
What recognition has Bermans received?
We've been named 'Best Receivables Finance Lawyer 2021' and are consistently recommended in The Legal 500 for asset-based lending, corporate law, and insolvency work, reflecting our technical excellence and client service.
Reviews (4)
Jake Fairclough
Dec 08, 2021
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We have used Bermens on a number of occasions for difffernt property transactions. Melanie in particular has been extremly helpful and responsive while making our purchases and sales go through quickly and smooth.
Andrea B.
Nov 20, 2021
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I have used Neil on several occasions, and he has always provided impeccable service. He responds quickly to queries, and he provides practical solutions. He works to a deadline and is extremely thorough. I would definitely recommend this company.
Peter Holmes
Jul 22, 2021
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In my experience, real weasels. I'd suggest you avoid one Claire Morris. Her side-kick appears to be one Rachael Murphy. Neither returned my phone calls or e-mail requests for information (having been screwed by one of their clients). Personally, I'd give Bermans a wide berth; there are many other solicitors in Liverpool to choose from.
Mathew James
Dec 18, 2019
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Very poor service. I was told by a number of people to avoid Bermans however I didn't listen and I got my fingers burnt.
