The 2014 edition of the Legal 500, considered to be the leading independent guide to the legal profession, was released on the 1st of October 2014 with all results either improving on those from 2013 or remaining at last year’s high standard for Leathes Prior.
The rankings show that the firm now has four top tier practice areas within the East Anglian and national arena, with Fraud (Crime) joining Immigration, Debt Recovery and Sport at the top table. There are a further 19 areas in the second tier, marking Leathes Prior out as an East Anglian heavyweight. With nine lawyers listed in the elite “Leading lawyers” list (guide to outstanding lawyers nationwide) and 29 lawyers recommended in the 2014 editorial, the past 12 months have again proved exciting times for the firm.
Leathes Prior’s key highlights from the 2014 edition include:
The firm welcomes a new tier one ranking for the Fraud team which is said to work to ‘a fantastic standard’ with the ‘robust’ Tim Cary and ‘energetic’ Tej Thakkar. The team is described as ‘almost flawless in its manoeuvres’, with ‘pure dedication, care and professionalism’. Tim Cary is described as a nationally recognised Regulatory and Defence expert, specifically within clamping, with a nationwide presence for motoring offences through the firm’s ‘Traffic Lawyers’ brand. The Immigration team receives a first tier ranking largely down to the ‘knowledgeable’ Tim Cary.
The first tier ranking Sports team continues to thrive with the boutique offering ‘Full Contact’ retaining a national following. The ‘commercial, realistic’ team is described as ‘exceptional value for money’, representing clubs, agents, regulatory bodies and sportspersons. Industry expert Dan Chapman is once again recommended.
Debt Recovery also excelled with a first tier ranking as Darren Bowen is noted as ‘hugely popular and smart’ with ‘skill in litigation that is often the reserve of larger firms’. It is noted that Mike Barlow ‘avidly and expertly fights for his clients’ interests’. The team, including David Richards, is highly recommended.
The firm sees an increased ranking for the Commercial Property team who are praised for a ‘down-to-earth, pragmatic’ approach. Rob Sibley’s team is said to provide ‘no-nonsense commercial advice’. The successful merger with Cole & Co which brought the team, and notably David Clarke on board as Partner, is also to thank. Senior Partner William Riley and Associate Paul Oldershaw are highly recommended.
The Property Litigation team has also received an improved ranking, in which Sabina Haag is recommended. The ‘very professional and pleasant’ Darren Bowen is given praise. Darren Bowen is again highlighted as part of the Agriculture and Estates team as he ‘delivers the best’ with Rob Sibley, William Riley and Paul Oldershaw again recommended.
The newly ranked Insolvency and Corporate Recovery team is praised, outlining that ‘the service is excellent in all respects’, highlighting the ‘knowledgeable, confident and friendly’ Adam McCaw.
Mike Barlow’s Dispute Resolution team is said to provide ‘well considered and comprehensive advice’. Darren Bowen is ‘authoritative’ and David Richards ‘simplifies complicated situations’. David Richards is also described as a rising star within the Personal Injury team.
The Family team is described as ‘outstanding, ethical and excellent value for money’. Alisdair Douglas is given particular mention as one of Norfolk’s leading lawyers within the field. ‘Rising star’ Simon Willis is also highlighted as ‘an old head on young shoulders’.
The Corporate and Commercial team is ranked highly, the results highlighting that Paul Warman ‘delivers practical advice’ and Richard Guthrie ‘always goes the extra mile’.
The guide recommends the Franchising team, led by Ed Savory, which is described as ‘brilliant’ and ‘always on hand for advice when needed’ covering the full range of work for franchisors and franchisees, nationally and internationally. Jonathan Chadd and Mike Barlow are noted for their expertise in international expansion and contentious matters respectively. Mike Barlow’s IT and Telecoms team is also praised, described to provide ‘practical, commercially-focused advice’.
The Education team is highlighted including ‘rising star’ Polly Langford who represents independent schools. Darren Bowen’s work in this team is also highly acclaimed.
The Employment team remains highly regarded as is their contribution to the firm’s innovative web-based ’employmentor’ service. The research shows ‘response times are the best and industry knowledge is first class’. Tribunal defence advocate Dan Chapman receives particular praise as he ‘remains calm and organised under pressure’. Paula Lee (Lawn) is also given particular mention for her work.
Within the Commercial Litigation team, Mike Barlow is described as ‘grounded and commercially realistic’. As well as Darren Bowen being recommended in this team, he is also given particular mention for the standard of his advice in claims within the Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate team. The successful merger with Cole & Co is highlighted, with reference to Barrie Baker bringing 12 years’ experience to Leathes Prior’s ‘accessible, prompt and reliable’ team. Hazel Gill is recommended in high-value estate and trust matters and ‘friendly’ Tessa Bonser and William Riley have ‘a lovely relaxed style’.
Within Banking and Finance, Paul Warman retains the title of ‘banking expert’ with Peter Sheppard also being highly recommended.
The Health and Safety team is described as ‘excellent in every way’ and ‘outstanding, prompt and precise’ highlighting the ‘knowledgeable’ Tim Cary. Peter Sheppard, Dan Chapman and Rob Sibley are also recommended in this area.
Rob Sibley’s Planning team is also given particular mention having gained ‘exceptional’ planning lawyer Chris Burgess from its merger with Cole & Co.
Within Charities William Riley’s ‘not-for-profit’ team, including Hazel Gill, Tessa Bonser, Paul Warman and Dan Chapman, is commended outlining that ‘the level of service is excellent’.
The 2014 edition of the Legal 500 conveys an unprecedented set of results for Leathes Prior. With a successful merger, a fresh set of rising stars and the progression of the firm with new niche practice areas, Leathes Prior is reported to be in better health than ever. Roll on 2015…
For full results please see https://www.legal500.com/firms/2028/1908
