John French

John French

Partner – Head of Litigation

024 7649 3124
Direct Dial Extension 700

 JNF@bandhattonbutton.com

Why did you choose the law?

I chose law because I wanted a career that involved solving other people’s problems.

Tell us a bit about how you got here…

I am a graduate of the University of Birmingham and qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 after first becoming a Barrister (non practising) in 1996.  I became a Partner at the firm in April 2013, a Board Member in April 2019 and was made Head of Department in April 2021.

What does your day job look like?

I undertake work in all areas of civil/commercial litigation, but primarily specialise in residential landlord and tenant matters, all types of contractual disputes, probate/trust disputes, professional negligence, consumer and boundary disputes and regulatory (planning, health & safety etc) matters. I also offer advice in relation to education appeals and head up the firm’s Road Traffic Unit, giving advice on all aspects of road traffic law.

Acting for a wide range of private/commercial clients, I strive to resolve disputes before proceedings are issued.  I am proud to have an excellent track record in negotiating early settlements in this regard, but am also a keen advocate and always very happy to attend court on behalf of clients, if required.

I am an accredited and experienced civil and commercial mediator and pride myself on offering a practical, empathetic, pro-active and solutions-based approach to ensure parties reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.  My background before qualifying as a solicitor means I look at mediations with a strong commercial slant, often giving me an advantage in reaching settlement.

I can also advise on employment law.

Why do you like to do outside of work?

My main interests are sport (of virtually all kinds), politics, reading and socialising.

I am President of the Warwickshire Law Society 2018/19.

“Great service and friendly team. Always there to help.”

“Friendly, very professional and helpful.”

“Thank you so much for all the work you have put into this over the past 12 months for me. I would have given up on it all a long time ago had it not been for your support and I genuinely really do appreciate it. I know it is your job but I always felt reassured that you had my best interest at heart.

I’m hoping I will never need your services again however If i do, I won’t hesitate in getting in contact.”

“The lawyer and team dealt with my case professionally and sensitively. I felt that they guided me, but I was still in control of the decisions which I think is important.”

‘John French was excellent – Concise, thoughtful and expert! Very impressive!’

‘Extremely friendly & professional service. I came to think of my lawyer as a friend who I could contact when needed’

‘May I say that, from the first moment of meeting you, we have been impressed with the level of service received.  I am happy to add that your interview technique especially has been a model of its kind.’

‘On a personal note thank you so much for the input into our family matter.  Your professionalism and exploration of all avenues has given us much confidence that my affairs are being dealt with looking at everyone’s interests.  Thank you for your expert advice and wonderful service’

The representation received was of the upmost professionalism and was without doubt of benefit to us.