Following on from September’s excellent Legal 500 results, the independent sector review from Chambers & Partners has been published, and we are delighted to report that SA Law has maintained its leading position in the region.
Our Employment, Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Real Estate and Family teams continue to be ranked for the quality of their advice and client service, with the Family team considered to be one of the best in the north London/home counties area. Many individuals were also recommended by name, including Chris Cook (Employment), Robert Ryall, Tracy Lacey-Smith and Simon Walsh (Litigation), Gary Dunger (Real Estate), Marilyn Bell and Kiran Beeharry (Family).
Managing Partner Steve Ryan says: “This is another great year for SA Law, and I congratulate all teams for their hard work. The annual editorial process of Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500 also relies on the recommendations of many SA Law clients and partner organisations, so a big thank you to everyone who participated. We are extremely honoured that so many took the time to engage with directory researchers in 2019.”
Here’s what Chamber & Partners had to say about us:
Employment
Provides employers with expertise across the full range of matters including large-scale redundancy and restructuring, TUPE transfers, negotiating exits and conducting litigation. Wide sector coverage that includes charities, online retailers and educational institutions. Clients comment: "They are knowledgeable, with a commercial mindset, but also down to earth and friendly so it is easy to be very honest with them." Interviewees say: "They seek to understand their clients and advise accordingly to achieve the outcomes that they require for their business needs. This firm also does not sit on the fence or regurgitate the law at customers, which sets them apart."
Christopher Cook has a broad practice encompassing day-to-day employment issues, TUPE matters and discrimination and whistle-blowing tribunal claims. "He's very willing to take a commercial approach on a lot of issues," comments a source, adding: "We send him a lot of queries which he's able to answer very quickly."
Family/Matrimonial
Skilled team handling complex child law and divorce matters. Particular expertise in advising high net worth individuals. Handles high-value divorce proceedings involving international assets. Provides alternatives to litigation, including arbitration, mediation and collaborative law. A client notes: "They are a firm that does the right thing for the right reasons rather than simply to generate income." Another source adds: "They are a very client-centric team - they know what the client wants and they're costs-focused, so they're doing things when it's needed as opposed to just running up the bill."
Kiran Beeharry is regarded as "very hard-working and knowledgeable" by market commentators. He acts for clients on high-value finance matters as well as assisting with children cases. A source notes: "He's very courteous, sees the task through from start to finish and will act in the client's best interest in order to get through the process as positively as possible." Marilyn Bell is a well-established practitioner with a wealth of experience acting for clients on matters including matrimonial finance and child arrangements. One source emphasises her manner with clients, saying: "She is able to give clear and concise advice on what can seem daunting and confusing issues, and she's able to put clients at ease and make them feel more confident to move forward."
Litigation
Well-regarded litigation team with a strong regional presence and growing international activity. Handles shareholder disputes, breach and termination of contract litigation and payment disputes. Advises a local and international client base featuring organisations and individuals from a variety of sectors.
One interviewee praises Robert Ryall for being "very personable, explaining things clearly and being firm with opponents." He assists companies and individuals with a range of commercial litigation, including breach of agreement claims and shareholder disputes. Simon Walsh is praised by sources for his expertise in commercial and corporate litigation, with experience in cases involving shareholder disputes, breach of directors' duties and joint venture agreements. One interviewee reports that he is "an excellent litigator: tenacious and indefatigable in pursuing his client’s interests." Tracy Lacey-Smith is a proficient commercial litigator with experience in breach of directors' duties and breach of agreement claims.
Real Estate
Regularly sought to advise on various commercial and residential real estate matters. Notable experience in residential conveyancing and investment work, as well as property finance matters. Clients include national property developers and established financial institutions. A client notes that the team is made up of "very approachable and likeable individuals," who are "very talented and willing to go that extra mile." Other sources note that the lawyers "strive to give good advice and genuinely care about their clients."
Gary Dunger routinely handles residential and commercial property matters and property portfolio management work. He is particularly adept at advising on development projects. A source describes him as an "extremely talented and very approachable" lawyer.
What is Chambers & Partners and why is it so important?
Chambers & Partners is an independent market research body that produces in-depth analysis of over 50 cities in the UK. Over 10,883 solicitors received rankings this year from 5,227 firms all over the UK so it's a fantastic testament to SA Law's client service and dedication to solving legal challenges in a pragmatic way that our teams consistently receive praise and excellent rankings from Chambers & Partners. to find out more about the Chambers & Partners methodology, click here.