• Swindon & Wiltshire Professional services
• Friday October 18 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Law firms celebrate rankings in prestigious Chambers & Partners 2025 guide

Law firms in the region are celebrating their rankings in the prestigious Chambers & Partners 2025 guide, published this week.

Legal rankings are based on independently conducted in-depth analysis and research.

Goughs – which has offices in Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Melksham and Trowbridge – maintained its position as a Leading Firm was rankings for the family and real estate teams, due to their “great knowledge, good communication” and “energy to drive progress.”

In addition to the department rankings, three individuals have also been ranked: Thomas Boyce, Ross Phillips and Andrew Given.

Clients applauded the family team with the directory confirming that the team are “professional, knowledgeable and collaborative”, and offer “total clarity about the process”.

Thomas Boyce was praised for his “vast wealth of experience”, and “reassuring way with clients”.

“Chambers’ 200+ researchers provide unique insight into the way in which firms provide legal services for their clients,” said Thomas.

“They conduct tens of thousands of interviews a year with in-house counsel and third-party experts, such as barristers and accountants, and crucially with the clients who have used that firm.

“It is their rigorous independent processes that makes us so incredibly proud to have been recognised by them. This recognition is extremely welcomed and I could not be prouder of the team for continuing to deliver at such an exceptionally high level.”

Andrew Given was recognised as “an excellent lawyer with a very strong grasp of what matters commercially”.

“It is a great testament to the level of hard work and commitment that the Real Estate team have been recognised by such a prestigious organisation,” said Andrew.

“The daily commitment we show our clients has been gratefully rewarded. I am thrilled to be able to share such good news and look forward to growing the team and receiving even more recognition throughout 2025.”

Thrings, which has offices in Bath and Bristol, advanced its position on last year.

The firm’s agriculture team continues to stand out against its competition with, its ability cited as “second to none”.

Both the South and South West teams this year have been granted the highest possible rank in Band 1 – the latter being elevated this year from Band 2.

Corporate law also continues to shine through as a key area of strength for Thrings, recognised in the rankings for being “consistent”, “reliable” and “responsive” with its South West and Thames Valley teams both in Band 2.

A number of other service areas, including planning, litigation and intellectual property, maintain their rankings from last year, all in Band 3 for the South West.

Meanwhile, the employment and family teams all feature prominently in the rankings, having secured a place in Band 4.

In terms of individual recognition, 17 Thrings lawyers from across a range of teams have secured places in the rankings, including the firm’s head of construction Natalia Sokolov, who enters the rankings for the very first time in Band 3, described in the rankings by clients as “a stand-out practitioner” who is always “going above and beyond” for clients.

Partners from the agriculture team continue to back up their overall ranking with Russell Reeves and Mark Charter again ranked in Band 1, joined by fellow agricultural litigator and “Emperor of Estoppel” Robert James who is elevated from Band 2.

Fellow agriculture specialists Duncan Sigournay and Neil Barbour continue to hold their place in the directory, both ranked in Band 2.

Also improving their rankings this year are Rob Barnes, the firm’s head of real estate in Bristol, who is elevated to Band 4 – praised for his “practical” nature and “vast experience”, and Sally Pike and Kate Barber, family partners in Romsey, who are ranked Band 1 and Up and Coming respectively.

Thrings’ corporate team also have three ranked lawyers across its teams in Swindon and Bristol, with the “diligent” and “calm” John Davies retaining his Band 1 ranking as both Elaine Meyrick and Simon Hore maintaining their Band 3 rank.

Three Partners in the firm’s commercial dispute resolution team has been ranked, with “technical and detailed” Insolvency specialist Mark Cullingford and “considered, professional and engaged” “IP expert Megan Jefferies staying firmly in Band 2, whilst litigator Alastair Govier remains in Band 3, receiving recognition for his “deep and sophisticated appreciation of the law”.

Completing the individual rankings are Kerrie Hunt and Ros Trotman, heads of employment and development of land respectively, both in Band 3.

Thrings managing partner Simon Holdsworth said: “It has been a very strong year for Thrings, something I am proud to see has been reflected in the latest Chambers rankings, and I want to congratulate each and every colleague and team that has been featured.

“With such a broad spectrum of services being recognised, these rankings showcase the varied work in which our firm stands out against the competition.

“Chambers is, at its core, a sounding board for clients and contacts to give their opinion on law firms and I am delighted that so many of ours have given us such great feedback.”

At regional law firm Gardner Leader, Chris Felton, Philip Humphreys, Katie Dyson, Michelle Di Gioia and Vicky Schollar were all included in the rankings.

Chris Felton was placed in the highest band 1 ranking within litigation for his “ability, experience, clients and the types of cases he’s done would look perfectly at home in a magic circle firm. He’s got excellent negotiation skills and so much experience of litigation.”

Philip Humphreys received band 2 ranking within the corporate department. It was noted Philip Humphreys has great depth of experience in M&A deals, including management buyouts, joint ventures and corporate reorganisations.

Michelle Di Gioia was placed in band 3 ranking within litigation. Michelle was decribed as “a very good and strong litigator. We are confident we can refer work to her.”

Katie Dyson was recommended as up and coming in the latest rankings. It was noted that Katie Dyson has a growing reputation for her litigation practice, which sees her advising on commercial disputes as well as those concerning the banking and finance sector.

Vicky Schollar was selected as an associate to watch in the employment sector.

The litigation and corporate teams claimed a band 2 ranking.

Pictured: Staff from Goughs in celebratory mood