With over 30 years of experience as a corporate lawyer, Gareth’s time at the firm has been marked by steady growth and leadership. In 2020, he ascended to the role of Senior Partner, relinquishing his position as Managing Partner while continuing to steer the Corporate division, which he has managed for several years. Renowned for his problem-solving skills, Gareth assists clients across a broad spectrum of corporate matters, specialising in representing owner-managed businesses, particularly within the UK’s automotive industry. With a keen eye for international transactions, Gareth’s expertise extends to guiding clients through complex cross-border deals, leveraging his extensive network and experience to deliver seamless service to clients worldwide.
About Gareth:
Contact Gareth:
Frequently works with:
Credentials
Gareth’s commitment to excellence is underscored by his recognition as a recommended lawyer in the Legal 500 2024 listings, affirming his standing as a trusted legal advisor. Additionally, Gareth’s involvement in a wide variety of corporate transactions, including sales and purchases, buyouts, and buy-ins, emphasises his versatility and expertise in navigating diverse corporate landscapes. His recent focus on transactions involving Employee Ownership Trusts (EOT) highlights his forward-thinking approach to corporate governance and commitment to innovative business models. Gareth is also an independent trustee for JS Wright EOT. Through his multifaceted contributions, Gareth continues to uphold the highest standards of professional integrity while making a meaningful impact on his clients and the broader legal community.
Testimonials
Having worked with Wilkes on various matters over the past 10 years’, we knew that when making the decision to sell our family business of over 30 years’, we wanted Gareth’s team to act for us on the transaction. Gareth and Christie delivered proactive and forward-thinking advice throughout the deal and handled any challenge that arose with ease. Christie was always at the other end of the phone when we needed her and went above and beyond to get the deal over the line and negotiate a deal that would be right for us. Gareth and Christie were very good at explaining the complex legal points to us and translating the legal jargon into layman’s terms. With the deal also involving property and employment law aspects, Christie effectively project managed the different elements of the deal, providing invaluable assistance and support throughout the process. We are grateful for Wilkes’ advice and guidance throughout the sale and would definitely recommend their services.
Client – Anonymous
Having taken the decision to put our business up for sale, we were recommended to use The Wilkes Partnership LLP as our legal advisers. Their professionalism and attention to detail alongside their knowledge and understanding of our industry was critical in being able to complete on the sale in early February 2023. There were issues that needed to be dealt with along the way but these were attended to speedily and efficiently by the Wilkes team, with input from ourselves as required. Always quick to respond, it was a pleasure working with the Corporate team at Wilkes, in particular Gareth O’Hara, Christie Nelson and Katherine Proctor, who all made significant contributions to the successful sale of our business.
Client – Anonymous
Having taken the decision to put our business up for sale, we were recommended to use The Wilkes Partnership LLP as our legal advisers. Their professionalism and attention to detail alongside their knowledge and understanding of our industry was critical in being able to complete on the sale in early February 2023. There were issues that needed to be dealt with along the way but these were attended to speedily and efficiently by the Wilkes team, with input from ourselves as required. Always quick to respond, it was a pleasure working with the Corporate team at Wilkes, in particular Gareth O’Hara, Christie Nelson and Katherine Proctor, who all made significant contributions to the successful sale of our business.
Client – Anonymous
I have worked closely with Gareth O’Hara over the years, and recently on the sale of my business. I have always been reassured that all the details would be dealt with conscientiously.
Client Feedback – The Legal 500 2024
Gareth O’Hara leads by example, is not afraid to get stuck in and help all sides work towards an agreement. Keeps it simple, gives his opinion and reasoning and works with all parties towards an agreement.
Client Feedback – The Legal 500 2022
We greatly appreciate the relationship we have with Gareth and the rest of the team at Wilkes. Their understanding of our business, and the retail car business generally, makes what can often be a time consuming and challenging process more straight forward. Wilkes are very used to our approach and method of doing deals.
Mike Berwick, Operations Director at Johnsons Cars
Having decided to put our business up for sale, we were recommended to use The Wilkes Partnership LLP as our legal advisers. Their professionalism and attention to detail alongside their knowledge and understanding of our industry was critical in being able to complete one sale in early February 2023. There were issues that needed to be dealt with along the way but these were attended to speedily and efficiently by the Wilkes team, with input from ourselves as required. Always quick to respond, it was a pleasure working with the Corporate team at Wilkes, in particular Gareth O’Hara, Christie Nelson and Katherine Proctor, who all made significant contributions to the successful sale of our business.
Richard Stevens, Director of Allen Newport Limited
Gareth O’Hara: exceptional customer care/understanding, extremely efficient and total honesty with fees.
The Legal 500 2025 Edition
I would strongly recommend partner Gareth O’Hara and solicitor Christie Nelson. Christie is very hard-working, and we trust her to complete any assignments we have. Both Gareth and Christie get to know their clients and have helped our business complete two large transactions over the past 10 years.