SA Law has been ranked yet again as a top law firm in the latest Chambers and Partners UK Legal Guide, and The UK Legal 500 Solicitors Guide 2026.
Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 legal directories deliver detailed rankings and insight into the global legal market, assessing the performance, calibre and competence of law firms. Through independent and rigorous research processes, the world-leading legal market researchers rank firms, legal departments and their lawyers. To be ranked in either of these directories is a prestigious accolade.
Both The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners have recognised the calibre of the lawyers at SA Law, with rankings and individual accolades across key practice areas including Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution (CDR), Family, Employment, Corporate & Commercial and Real Estate. Across the two directories, 21 individual lawyers have been ranked or recommended in their fields.
SA Law’s Commercial Litigation, Family, Employment, and Real Estate practices all held their Tier 1 and 2 positions in The Legal 500, and top bands 1-3 in Chambers and Partners.
In a significant milestone, the Property Dispute Resolution team was ranked for the first time as a ‘Firm to Watch’ in The Legal 500 this year. Yezdan Izzet, who joined the firm last year as Head of the team, has also already been recognised as a Recommended Lawyer - a testament to her expertise and the team’s growing influence in the market.
Everyone who achieved a Legal 500 ranking last year either retained or improved their position, with four partners moving up from Next Gen Partner or Recommended Lawyer to Leading Partners: Jacqueline Button (Commercial Property Partner), Tracy Lacey-Smith (Joint Managing Partner and co-Head of CDR), Simon Walsh (CDR Partner) and Kiran Beeharry (Joint Head of Family).
Robert Ryall, Joint Head of CDR, retained his recognition as a Leading Partner, reflecting his description in The Legal 500 as “exceptional… a complete litigator who continually exceeds our expectations”. Meanwhile, his CDR colleague Clare Mackay maintained her position in Next Generation Partners, along with Gary Dunger, Head of Real Estate and Vincent Billings, Corporate & Commercial Partner.
For the first time, Employment Partner Beth Leng was ranked Band 4 by Chambers and Partners. Saira Parveen (Real Estate) was recognised in Associates to Watch by Chambers and Partners – a recognition given to senior associates for their work in the background of major deals and proceedings. Helen Young was also acknowledged in this category for the first time for her work in Construction, while maintaining the same ranking in CDR. Christine Caffrey (Employment) and Simran Gupta (Family) also held this ranking.
Following her induction into The Legal 500’s Hall of Fame last year, Marilyn Bell, Head of the Family department, has once again been recognised in this ranking of the UK’s most distinguished practitioners. The Hall of Fame recognises lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work. Marilyn is described as “very good with clients, she puts in the extra mile to make them feel they are a number one client.”.
The following individuals were also ranked in the top bands by Chambers and Partners: Tracy Lacey-Smith, Vincent Billings, Beth Leng, Chris Cook (Employment Partner), Kiran Beeharry, Marilyn Bell, Clare Mackay, Helen Young, Robert Ryall, Simon Walsh, and Gary Dunger.
Joint Managing Partner, Tracy Lacey-Smith commented:
"I'm immensely proud of our team for their rankings this year, which marks our firm’s 20th anniversary, and our first year as a certified B Corp.
“This recognition comes at a pivotal moment, as we are embarking on ambitious plans to develop the firm, enhancing our services and support for prominent local enterprises, leading national and international businesses, and private individuals. "I am hugely grateful to our fantastic team, who are working hard to deliver excellent results for clients and continue our positive momentum.”
Joint Managing Partner, Steve Ryan added:
"I am continually inspired by our dedicated and talented team at SA Law, whose unwavering commitment to our clients continues to set us apart.
"These rankings are a powerful reflection of our ‘one firm’ philosophy, and how well it resonates with our clients. We approach each matter with a unified, holistic mindset to ensure our clients receive seamless and comprehensive support, whether the issues they are facing are personal, commercial or both.
"It's a privilege to lead such an exceptional team across our various practice areas. These outstanding results are a direct result of SA Law’s hard work, expertise, and the genuine care shown to every client."
