Baines Wilson has promoted Christopher Clayton to associate, just a year after he joined the business law specialist.

Chris, 35, is an experienced commercial dispute resolution solicitor and a solicitor-advocate who can represent clients in all courts including the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Originally from Kirkbride, near Carlisle, he went to Nelson Thomlinson School in Wigton and studied history at Hull University before completing a graduate diploma in law and a legal practice course at the University of Law in York.

He joined Baines Wilson from Freeths, a national law firm in Nottingham.

Chris said: “There’s a great variety of work in dispute resolution, which brings a lot of job satisfaction. Not only do you have to understand the legal work, you have to understand the businesses involved. Every day is different.”

He has experience in a wide range of commercial disputes including shareholder and director disputes, breach of contract, commercial fraud, misrepresentation, insurance-related disputes and professional negligence.

He also has experience in representing clients in alternative forms of dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration.

Prior to qualifying as a solicitor in 2016, he worked as a costs specialist so is well placed to advise clients on the costs implications of disputes.

He said: “Nobody wants to be involved in a dispute. The way we approach it is to focus on what is important and try to resolve that quickly and efficiently, to identify if there is scope for a settlement and concentrate on that.

“If we’re not able to resolve it, then we ensure our client is in the strongest possible position when we go in front of a judge.

“That’s why it’s important to understand the nature of the business and the dispute. To focus on evidence – what we need to prove and disprove.”

Elizabeth Black, partner, head of dispute resolution and litigation at Baines Wilson, congratulated Chris on his promotion to associate.

She said: “Chris is an extremely capable dispute resolution lawyer and a key part of our team. We recognise the significant contribution he has made to both the business and to supporting our clients and that he is now ready to take the next step in his career.”

Outside work, Chris enjoys playing the piano, running, and walking the Lakeland fells. He has recently taken up golf.

He lives with his fiancé just outside Carlisle and the couple are expecting their first child in October.

Baines Wilson has offices in Carlisle and Lancaster. 

To find out more, see the website – https://www.baineswilson.co.uk/ – or call 01228 552600 or 01524 548494.