Following hot on the heels of SA Law’s Legal 500 results, we are delighted to announce the results of the Chambers and Partners annual UK legal sector research. Another great year for SA Law has been rewarded with rankings in five key categories, highlighting many of our experts, and some of the leading work we have undertaken over the last 12 months.
High rankings were achieved by our Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Employment, Family, Real Estate and Property Dispute resolution teams.
“It’s hard not to be fascinated by legal directory results,” comments Managing Partner Steve Ryan. “The test of work well done is first and foremost the results we create for clients. However, this annual research provides a feel for how our success compares to other firms. Our clients and intermediary colleagues are critical to the process through, so thank you to everyone who agreed to be interviewed by the researchers.”
Here are some highlights of the 2017 Chambers & Partners coverage:
Family
Band 1
Strengths
Clients appreciate the team's business-oriented and practical approach. "They are commercial, knowledgeable and client-focused," a source says, with another adding that "they are very constructive and pragmatic."
Notable practitioners
Marilyn Bell is a highly regarded practitioner, advising on both financial and children matters in separation situations. "She is very client-focused and works unbelievable hours," a source reports, further praising her as "friendly, reassuring and always calm."
Kiran Beeharry advises on divorce proceedings as well as relationship breakdown between unmarried partners. "He battled very hard on my behalf to get the best deal possible," a client says.
Litigation
Band 2
Strengths
Sources praise the team's practical advice, efficiency and responsiveness.
Notable practitioners
Robert Ryall is valued for his long-standing experience in handling local and cross-border disputes in a broad range of sectors, including construction, sports, energy and power. He is noted for his commercial approach.
Tracy Lacey-Smith acts on all sorts of commercial disputes for clients from a wide range of sectors, such as retail, education, insurance, charities and regulatory. She is highly recommended for her efficiency, empathy and availability.
Senior Associate Simon Walsh is a key member of the team, acting on local and cross-border instructions. "He is very conscientious, hardworking and always responds promptly," a client says.
Employment
Band 3
Strengths
Clients describe the team as "very thorough, pragmatic and supportive," and say that "they're very much aware of urgency and speed and very focused on advice that's relevant to the business."
Interviewees note that the team "serves a wide range of clients so are able to offer context to issues. They do what they say they'll do and they're clear in terms of charges and advice."
Notable practitioners
The "very pragmatic" Christopher Cook "understands all areas of employment law and is very thorough, considers the risks and has the ability to navigate through them," say sources. He has broad employment experience with notable work in the education and care sectors.
Real estate
Band 3
Strengths
A client says: "It is an extremely high-performance team, which also offers extremely good value for money."
Another client praises the team's "good speed of service" and says that the group is "thorough at what they do."
Notable practitioners
Gary Dunger advises on development, funding, investment and portfolio management matters. He brings "excellent attention to detail" to his work, according to impressed interviewees.
Jacqueline Button undertakes high-value work in the residential and commercial property areas. She regularly deals with landlord and tenant matters.
