• Swindon & Wiltshire Awards
• Thursday October 15 2026

Goughs retains national recognition for family and real estate teams

Wiltshire law firm Goughs Solicitors has strengthened its reputation as one of the South West’s leading legal practices after retaining its Chambers and Partners 2027 rankings for family law and real estate, with three partners also individually recognised.

The Wiltshire firm’s Family/Matrimonial team was ranked Band 3 in the South West, while its Real Estate practice retained a Band 4 ranking. Partners Ross Phillips and Thomas Boyce were both ranked Band 3 for Family/Matrimonial, and Andrew Given received a Band 3 ranking for Real Estate.

The results extend Goughs’ run of recognition in the independent legal directory, which assesses firms and lawyers through research and interviews with clients and legal professionals. Rankings take account of technical ability, client service and commercial awareness, with Band 1 the highest.

Chambers feedback praised the family team’s handling of complex divorce and financial disputes, as well as private law children cases, prenuptial agreements and cohabitation arrangements.

One client said: “I was offered invaluable advice that allowed me to make informed decisions.” Another added: “Above all, the firm was willing to listen and get results at my pace.”

Ross was described as “superb in terms of client care and focus on achieving excellent outcomes”, while Thomas was recognised as “knowledgeable and personable”, with an “absolutely brilliant breadth of knowledge”. Andrew was praised for being “commercially aware, able to see the bigger picture” and “extremely competent”.

Thomas, partner and head of the family team, said: “For clients facing a family breakdown, the quality of advice and the way it is delivered can make a lasting difference. Our focus is on giving people the clarity to make informed decisions and the confidence to move forward.

“Retaining our ranking in 2027 is a proud moment for the whole team. It reflects the care and expertise our colleagues bring to every matter and gives us fresh motivation to keep developing the service our clients value.”

Andrew, partner and head of housebuilding and development, said: “Our clients need advisers who understand what a property transaction means for their wider business, as well as the legal detail. We take pride in helping them navigate complexity, keep projects moving and make decisions with confidence.

“Renewed recognition in 2027 reflects the strength of those relationships and the practical, commercially focused advice our team delivers. We are grateful to the clients who place their trust in us and to the colleagues whose work has earned that recognition.”

Established in 1882, Goughs Solicitors operates eight offices across Wiltshire and employs more than 130 staff.