Darwin Gray

Darwin Gray is a commercial law firm that works with clients from the public, private and third sectors.
We’re proud to call Cardiff our home, and are committed to supporting organisations and communities in and around the city. And when we’re not advising clients, you’ll find us running events, delivering training, and sharing our expertise in the media.

We specialise in several commercial fields, including:
Commercial Property

Employment & HR

Corporate and Commercial

Data and Data Protection

Franchising

Dispute Resolution

Social Housing

Property Litigation

Insolvency

Construction

Intellectual Property

Sport

Steve Thompson 

Stephen is a partner and also head of the firm’s Corporate and Commercial teams.

He undertakes a wide range of transactional corporate work including acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, investments and group restructures. Sectors of particular expertise include life sciences, nursing homes, manufacturing, veterinary practices and also hospitality.

Stephen also advises on a wide range of commercial issues including franchising and intellectual property.

In addition, Stephen has nearly 30 years’ experience advising businesses and individuals in relation to insolvency related legal issues.

Stephen’s extensive and lengthy legal career means that he can bring to bear on his legal work a wealth of commercial knowledge and expertise. His commercial experience enables him to deliver legal advice and assistance to his clients that is tailor made to their particular business needs.

Stephen is known for his calm, friendly manner and also a highly pragmatic approach to legal problems and issues. He is always able to get straight to the nub of issues for his clients, enabling them to quickly move on with running their businesses and not get bogged down with unnecessary legal niceties.

In addition to providing regular support to established businesses, Stephen regularly works with start-ups and growth businesses across a variety of sectors. His wide-ranging legal experience across a variety of business sectors enables him to provide invaluable support to businesses that are in an early stage of their development and growth.

On the franchising side, Stephen leads the team with 25 years’ experience in the sector. He has a widely known expertise in the franchising industry and is the Chair of the South West and Wales branch of Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF). The firm is also an affiliate member of the British Franchise Association.

Stephen also works extensively in the Housing Association and charitable sector advising on a range of corporate and also governance issues.

Stephen is a regular speaking and writer in relation to a wide range of legal topics including radio and television appearances.

Emily Shingler

Emily is an Associate in our Corporate and Commercial team, where she supports clients who operate across a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, technology and franchising as well as the third sector.

She has acted on numerous transactions including private equity investments and intra group restructures as well as advising businesses on corporate governance matters.

Known for her conscientious and friendly approach with clients, she provides invaluable support to businesses of all sizes on a range of commercial legal matters. She regularly drafts complex commercial contracts from terms and conditions to shareholders’ agreements.

Emily has particular expertise in the franchising sector from advising start up franchises to established brands. Her expertise includes advising on franchise agreements, registering trade marks, and handling franchise resales. She enjoys attending meetings and events run by Encouraging Women Into Franchising (EWIF); whereby she keeps abreast of current affairs in the franchising sector.

Emily also has a Master’s degree in Legal Practice.

Siobhan Williams

Siobhan is an Senior Associate in our Corporate and Commercial team, with significant experience in the acquisition and disposal of businesses with values of up to £10 million.

In addition, she regularly acts for businesses seeking investment from financial institutions and private equity, and advises clients on corporate governance and shareholders’ agreements.

Siobhan acts for clients on a range of commercial issues, in particular reviewing and advising on commercial contracts in the manufacturing sector.