Legal 500: Local firms delighted by strong showing

MIDLANDS law firms have expressed their delight after a strong showing in the Legal 500, the industry’s bible.

Following our publication of the main regional findings, legal firms have been quick to point out their successes.

Coventry and Warwickshire law firm De Marco Solicitors has achieved a higher placing in the employment category than last year.

Principal Sandra Garlick and specialist employment law solicitors Lianne Payne and Natalie Roach have also been individually recognised in the renowned guide.

Garlick said: “We are delighted to once again be recognised as one of the top employment law firms in the West Midlands and to have risen up the rankings.

“The Legal 500 is an independent guide and firms and individuals are recommended only on merit after extensive research based upon interviews with clients, referrers and barristers as well as mystery shopper exercises.

“Our higher position within the guide recognises our high standards of service and expertise which now stretches to 60 years of practice experience within our team.”

The Legal 500 described the employment lawyers at De Marco as a “sure-footed team”.

Fellow Coventry law firm Band Hatton Button is also pleased with its showing after it was listed in the guide.

In this year’s listings the firm was recommended in the commercial litigation, commercial property, debt recovery, charities, family, personal tax, trusts and probate, education and cooperate and commercial sectors.

It was also the only Coventry firm to feature in the corporate and commercial, commercial litigation, commercial property, charities and education sections.

Dawn Mobbs, partner at Band Hatton Button, was also singled out for praise by The Legal 500 which, when describing the firm’s work in the family field, said: “She is a collaborative lawyer, who has particular experience in financial relief on relationship breakdown, across divorce, cohabitation and civil partnership matters.”

Mark Moseley, managing director at Band Hatton Button, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the latest Legal 500 survey which has yielded extremely positive results for the firm.

“It is a fantastic achievement for us to gain this sort of recognition from what many consider to be the bible of the legal profession.”

Meanwhile Midlands law firm Shakespeares retained its tier one ranking for its family law legal services in the region.

The Legal 500 recognised the presence of the large family law team at Shakespeares and praises Christine Patterson for “her sheer determination to achieve the best outcome for her clients”.

The guide also describes Andrew Breakwell as being “pragmatic” and notes his ability to deliver “innovative solutions” in complex matrimonial finance cases.” 

Mills & Reeve, which has an office in Birmingham, has been ranked fourth best law firm in the UK by The Legal 500 after winning 46 top tier rankings.

The 2013 edition of the guide recognises the rapid progress of the firm’s Birmingham office in corporate and commercial work, describing it as the “one to watch” in the city. In total 16 of the firm’s Birmingham office practice areas were recommended and six of its lawyers were ranked as leading individuals.

Steve Allen, who heads the firm’s Birmingham office – who was named a leading individual for commercial litigation – said: “It’s great to see this office is now winning plaudits for its work in corporate and commercial, construction, commercial litigation and employment as well as maintaining its market leading position in public sector, private client, family and professional negligence.

“I’m confident that the addition of Peter McLintock to our corporate team and Kevin Lowe to our corporate tax team this year will mean the firm will continue to enhance its reputation in corporate and commercial work.”

DBS Law in Birmingham won recognition for its property, family law, and employment and personal injury departments.
 
Angela Fitzpatrick, head of personal injury, was singled out for particular praise.
 
CEO Rob Bhol said: “I’m very proud of all our staff here at DBS Law they have worked very hard through difficult times in the legal sector they thoroughly deserve this accolade.”