We are pleased to report that many of our departments have achieved strong rankings in this year’s edition of the independent legal directory Chambers and Partners.
Our family law department retains its place in tier one of the directory, and is now the only firm in the ‘Cheltenham and surrounds’ area to achieve the highest ranking.
Partner and department head James Grigg, who advises high-net-worth individuals on complex divorce, financial remedy and private children matters, is described as “very knowledgeable, professional and incredibly helpful. A very clever man who is brilliant in court, too.”
Our “strong” corporate & commercial arm has also secured a new ranking across the entire South West for its work involving SMEs and owner-managed businesses. The guide notes its “expertise across a number of sectors, including technology, manufacturing and charities”. Head of department Paul Symes-Thompson, who is experienced in acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures, is described by a client as “an outstanding business lawyer who I can trust implicitly, for both his honest approach and his dedicated level of customer care.”
Our agriculture and estates department is praised for its “thorough understanding of the specific matters relating to the sale of farm land.” Head of department Robin Beckley is noted for his “detailed knowledge and experience”.
Our “well-established and experienced” commercial property team, which has “significant experience acting for well-known clients in the retail sector”, also retained its ranking in the prestigious guide. The “extremely thorough” Susie Wynne is highlighted for her expertise in commercial property matters such as development schemes and investment transactions.
Matthew Clayton, head of our employment law team, is also noted for his “niche expertise in data protection and unlawful competition issues”. A client commented: “We always felt the whole procedure, which was quite complex, was perfectly under control.”
In its recent inaugural guide aimed at high-net-worth individuals, Chambers and Partners also recommended wills, probate & trusts partner Ruth Baker for her “technically excellent” work. She is ranked as an “up-and-coming” individual, an accolade which the guide explains is for those “at the forefront of their generation”.
Our managing partner Bridget Redmond commented: “This year’s results are another great achievement for Willans, especially after having been awarded a record set of rankings in last month’s edition of The Legal 500.
The exceptional calibre of our lawyers means that Willans can compete with many larger firms in terms of client service and technical expertise. Thank you to all of the clients who have provided such outstanding feedback.”
Chambers and Partners has a team of over 170 researchers who conduct a series of interviews to obtain objective feedback from clients and other firms’ solicitors.