Corporate Law | Burnetts Solicitors

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Our aim is to add value to your business by being proactive at all times and taking the lead on your transactions.

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Our specialist team of corporate and commercial solicitors can advise on a wide variety of commercial matters including:

Burnetts continues to be recognised as a leading corporate and commercial firm in the North, particularly in Cumbria, for its M&A expertise. The Carlisle-based team has been involved in high-profile transactions; acting for PLCs, SMEs, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals, the firm advises on acquisitions and disposals across sectors such as the nuclear, engineering, and professional services spaces. Head of team Michael Walby specialises in high-value M&A, while Jennifer Bell brings expertise in corporate finance, restructurings, joint ventures, and commercial contracts.

Legal 500 UK 2026

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Hartlepool United

“Jennifer and the team at Burnetts have been outstanding throughout this process. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident from start to finish. Their ability to manage complex legal requirements under significant pressure and still maintain clarity and professionalism was outstanding. Jennifer’s calm approach and attention to detail ensured that deadlines were met without compromising on quality. I am extremely grateful for their support and expertise in bringing this transaction to a successful conclusion.”

Raj Singh

Owner

Chris Saunders, CEO, P2i

“I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you, and the entire Burnetts team, for your outstanding support throughout this complex transaction. Your professionalism, clear and grounded advice, responsiveness, and genuine commitment to supporting both myself and the wider management team in securing the best possible outcome have been deeply appreciated. You are an excellent team, and I genuinely hope we’ll have the opportunity to work together again in the future.”

“I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you, and the entire Burnetts team, for your outstanding support throughout this complex transaction. Your professionalism, clear and grounded advice, responsiveness, and genuine commitment to supporting both myself and the wider management team in securing the best possible outcome have been deeply appreciated.

“You are an excellent team, and I genuinely hope we’ll have the opportunity to work together again in the future.”

Thomas Graham & Sons Limited

“Burnetts’ Corporate team are great to deal with. They bring the expertise and commitment that gives us the edge when negotiating what can often be complex transactions. We trust them to deliver the best result for us, not only on transactions but for the wider business.”

Roger Smith

Managing Director

“A massive thank you to all the team at Burnetts for the professionalism they showed on the sale of our company. I was unaware prior to the sale, of all the different fields of expertise within the company! As a female business owner, I found it extremely comforting to have Jen, Rebecca and Anna helping to navigate me through all the processes and procedures. This personal approach from Burnetts and in particular the ladies was simply amazing. They all explained in fine detail the steps ahead for us as a company and for me as an individual from start to finish. This took a huge amount of stress away from me at an extremely intense and anxious time! So thank you again Burnetts you are all amazing. We couldn’t have done it without you!”

Lindsay Telford

Former owner of Telford Škoda

InvestAcc Group

“Having dealt with Burnetts for many years they were a natural choice to act for ourselves in what was a complex transaction involving months of due diligence and negotiation, a decision we did not regret.

“Throughout the process, Michael, Jennifer and the wider Burnetts team were always on hand to provide practical advice and guidance often going the extra mile in terms of meeting demanding deadlines. Transitioning to a listed business required a certain level of knowledge and expertise which Burnetts were more than capable of providing, and at no time did I feel that the big city lawyers acting for the buyers offered anything that Burnetts could not deal with. I was very happy with the final position that we negotiated.”

Nick Gardner

Managing Director

TIS Cumbria Limited

Immense thanks to Paul Bell and the team of specialist lawyers at Burnetts for their support and guidance on this transaction. They have been first-class throughout, and really drove the transaction through. I would have no hesitation recommending them to any businesses operating in this sector.

Tony O’Pray

Former owner

The team at Burnetts was on top of all of the detail, was very focussed and calm, advising confidently throughout.

Scott Harrington

Carlisle United Football Club

Michael and the team at Burnetts have been tremendous in supporting us throughout the sale process. They have been completely dedicated, and we and the club are grateful for their advice and support. The club and the shareholders have really valued their guidance and sound judgement, and I would recommend them to anyone in business.

Andrew Jenkins

Chairman Emeritus

“Burnetts has a great, diverse team that can draw on many years’ experience.”

“Burnetts has outstanding customer-focused support. The lawyers are approachable and their communication is a benchmark for customer interaction.”

“The team is very hard-working and offers no-nonsense advice.”

Chambers UK Legal Guide 2026

Our Corporate Team

Michael Walby, Partner and Head of Corporate

Michael Walby

Head of Corporate

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Jennifer Bell, Corporate Partner

Jennifer Bell

Corporate Partner

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Paul Bell

Corporate Partner

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Eleanor Baird

Senior Associate

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Daniel Robinson

Solicitor

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Yaseen Ali

Trainee Solicitor

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Stephen Kirk

Advanced Paralegal

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Kerry McCourt

Paralegal

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