• Swindon & Wiltshire Appointments
• Tuesday May 27 2025

Thames Valley law firm appoints new partner

Thames Valley law firm Gardner Leader has expanded its dispute resolution team with the appointment of Lynsey Smith as partner.

Listed in the 2025 Legal 500 for both commercial litigation and franchising, Lynsey joins from IBB Law and brings two decades of experience to her role.

As a specialist in franchise disputes, Lynsey has acted for a broad range of clients, including well-known brands in the franchising industry.

Her commercial dispute resolution work also includes breaches of contract, injunctions, fraud and misrepresentation claims.

“I’m extremely excited to have joined Gardner Leader,” said Lynsey. “Having spent much of my career in the South East, it’s a name I’ve long been familiar with.

“I’m looking forward to bringing my commercial litigation and franchising expertise to the team, helping us to continue to deliver extraordinary outcomes for our clients.”

Derek Rodgers, managing partner at Gardner Leader, added: “With a wealth of knowledge in commercial litigation and franchising, having someone of Lynsey’s expertise join the wider Dispute Resolution and Gardner Leader teams is hugely valuable.

“Our goal is always to build on the extraordinary work our teams are doing, delivering the best legal advice, support, and peace of mind to all our clients. Lynsey will be a fantastic addition in helping us to achieve this.”

Gardner Leader is headquartered in Newbury with offices in Maidenhead, Thatcham, Oxford, Swindon, Windsor and London.