Robert Tiffen joins Ellisons as Partner in growing Norwich office
Ellisons has appointed Robert Tiffen as a Partner in its Dispute Resolution team, further strengthening its long-term investment in Norfolk following the opening of its Norwich office earlier this year. Based in Norwich, Robert is a specialist in commercial litigation, contentious probate and franchising.
With around 20 years’ experience, Robert advises businesses, company directors, shareholders and high-net-worth individuals on a wide range of complex matters. His work ranges from disagreements between business owners and day-to-day supply chain contractual issues to professional negligence claims and ‘team move’ injunctions, helping clients understand their options, manage risk and reach the best outcome for their circumstances.
Robert also specialises in contentious probate and is a full member of ACTAPS. He has acted in many complex disputes involving high-net-worth individuals’ estates, including issues of capacity, undue influence and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. He has particular expertise in matters where business assets form part of an estate and the terms of a will or trust conflict with a company’s governing documents. Additionally, Robert has developed expertise in franchise disputes and is one of a relatively small number of solicitors nationally with a specialist practice in this area, advising both franchisors and franchisees, including national and international brands. Wherever possible, Robert works with clients to resolve issues at an early stage. Where litigation is unavoidable, he provides clear, strategic advice focused on achieving the right commercial outcome.
His appointment follows the opening of Ellisons’ first permanent Norwich office earlier this year and reflects the firm’s continued investment in supporting businesses and families across Norfolk. As the latest senior appointment to join the office, Robert further broadens the expertise available to clients locally while strengthening the firm’s wider Dispute Resolution team across East Anglia.
Lee Pearce, Head of Dispute Resolution at Ellisons, said: “When clients come to us, they’re usually dealing with an issue that’s distracting them from running their business or dealing with their personal affairs. They need clear advice, sound commercial judgement and someone who can help them decide the best way forward. That’s exactly what Robert brings. Winning an argument isn’t always the same as solving a problem, and he understands that. He has an excellent reputation across the region and his breadth of experience further strengthens what we can offer clients from our Norwich office.”
Robert said: “No one expects to become involved in a dispute. Whether it’s a disagreement between shareholders, a contract that hasn’t worked out as planned or a claim against an estate, my role is to help clients understand their options and find the best way forward. Sometimes that’s through negotiation, sometimes it’s through litigation, but the focus is always on helping clients move forward with confidence. What attracted me to Ellisons was the commitment to building long-term relationships with clients, which has always been important to me, coupled with the investment in Norfolk through the new Norwich office. It’s an exciting opportunity to join a growing team and help support individuals and businesses across the region.”
Ellisons’ Dispute Resolution team helps businesses, organisations and private individuals prevent, manage and resolve disputes across a broad range of contentious areas, including commercial and contractual disputes, shareholder and partnership disagreements, professional negligence claims, insolvency, construction, property litigation, and contentious probate disputes.
