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WHAT DO WE STAND FOR?
We stand for:
(1) no nonsense, no legalese, no ''ifs and buts" advice and documentation which is understandable;
(2) whenever possible we work to a fixed and agreed fee;
(3) we understand our clients business and their aspirations;
(4) we are at the forefront of legal knowledge in our chosen fields.
OUR GUARANTEE ON LEGAL COSTS
Our core values are so important to us that we provide a guarantee that we will comply with them and if we fail to add the value that you were expecting we will reduce our charges to the level which you consider represents the value you were looking for.
OUR PEOPLE
The reason for our success is quite simply that we have the most experienced and able lawyers specialising in this area. Our team is:-
John Pratt, Senior Partner 
qualified in 1977 previously head of the Pinsents' franchise team, and managing partner of the Birmingham office, member of the British Franchise Association legal committee and recently appointed Legal Advisor to the British Franchise Association, author of "Franchising: Law & Practice", and a contributor to ''Practical Commercial Precedents'', ''International Sales and Marketing'', ''Commercial Contracts'' and ''International Franchising Law''. Acknowledged by Legal Who's Who as an expert in international franchising, a past president of the Union Internationale des Avocats franchise committee, currently Chair of the International Bar Association's international franchise committee and a frequent lecturer on franchise issues both in the UK and elsewhere. John was previously Honorary French Consul in Birmingham, President of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and a member of the board of the British Chambers of Commerce.
Gurmeet Jakhu, Partner 
Gurmeet qualified in 1996 and after a period in private practice Gurmeet joined one of the UK's leading franchisor's, Amtrak, as a senior lawyer and was subsequently promoted to company secretary. Gurmeet was responsible for all of Amtrak's legal issues but specialised in franchise litigation. Gurmeet is currently responsible for all dispute resolution matters with a particular emphasis on urgent injunctive relief and pre-emptive remedies required to protect franchisor’s interest and their intellectual property rights. Gurmeet is also involved in claims relating to interpretation of franchise agreements, commercial and supporting contracts and pre-contractual statements. He encourages the appropriate use of and has been involved in heavy weight mediations. The 2006 Chambers Guide also describes Gurmeet ‘as an up and coming individual’ and as ‘incredibly thorough and patient’
Barbara Lock, Associate
qualified in 1978 with the City of London firm, Waltons & Morse. Barbara joined the legal team at Allied Dunbar now part of the Zurich Insurance Group and became a senior legal adviser and at one time had one of the largest franchise networks in the UK.
Patrick McGowan
Patrick is a highly experienced litigator who joined Hamilton Pratt from
Buller Jefferies in January 2007, having previously worked for Pinsents
for more than six years.
He specializes in franchise disputes, commercial litigation and
mediation.
Francesca Briggs, Para Legal
started working with John Pratt in November 1983 and has built up considerable expertise in a large number of franchise related issues.
Felicity Taylor, Trainee Solicitor
Felicity has a Law degree from the University of Sheffield and has passed all her Law Society Examinations. Felicity joined Hamilton Pratt after a gap year and works principally in the franchise resale team.