After another record-breaking year, Stephens Scown has again been recognised for the quality of its work in the Legal 500. The latest edition of the prestigious legal guide features individuals and teams highlighted as being among the best in the legal sector.
Stephens Scown achieved the highest ranking across three sections of the 2026 guide, and in a total of 20 areas overall, an increase from last year. With ratings based on feedback from both clients and peers, there were 17 of the firm’s legal advisors marked for praise.
Top ranked legal teams
Yet again, the firm’s Family team retained its Tier 1 ranking, confirming it as one of the best in the business. One client quote said, “I have been very impressed with Andrew Barton and his attention to detail, work rate and ability to manage the case and the client’s expectations. He is a very impressive family lawyer. The support he has had from his associates is equally impressive.”
Sarah Atkinson was again named a Leading Partner in the guide for her role in the Family team. In a show of the team’s expertise and strength, Andrew Barton and Sarah Walls were both named Leading Partners for the first time. Lizzie Smith made her debut on the list as a Next Generation Partner, while Thea Bennun has again been recognised at the same level.
Another team achieving Tier 1 status was the Commercial Litigation team, maintaining its top ranking from the previous year. Amongst the client comments received was one which stated, “They have always been very focused on good service and client care with evident attention to detail. Good lawyers but also practical and seemingly results focused.”
The third team to maintain Tier 1 status, Stephens Scown’s Employment team drew praise from clients, with one saying, “The team have an excellent knowledge of legislation to hand; very rarely do they have to consult with colleagues or come back at a later date with an answer. This instils a high degree of confidence that the staff are very competent and well-trained.”
Rising up the Legal 500 rankings
Having successfully helped client Thatchers win at the Supreme Court in its case against supermarket giant Aldi, the Intellectual Property team increased its rank to Tier 3. Also achieving a Tier 3 ranking was the Environment team, having previously featured as a Firm to Watch.
With the arrival of Partner Steve Panton boosting the firm’s regulatory practice, the Health and Safety team is now marked as a Firm to Watch, having previously been unranked.
In addition to Sarah Atkinson’s status as a Leading Partner, three Partners retained their ranking as Leading Partner for their excellent work. They include Catherine Mathews from the Commercial Dispute Resolution team (and who heads the firm’s Devon office), Laurie Trounce, joint head of the Corporate team and head of the Charity sector team, and Richard Bagwell, who leads the Property Litigation team. In addition, Chris Twaits, who has been ranked as a Leading Partner for over ten years, is recognised again this year. Chris is heading up the firm’s strategic expansion into Dorset.
Laurie Trounce was also recognised as a Leading Partner in the Charities and Not for Profit sector for the first time, reflecting her expertise in the area. Richard Slater, Partner in the Commercial Litigation team also celebrated a change from Next Generation Partner to Leading Partner. Joining them is Ian Newcombe, named a Leading Partner for the first time in the Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate sector.
Also making his debut in the rankings, James Burrows has been named a Next Generation Partner for his work as part of the Contentious Trusts and Probate sector.
Alongside them, several individuals were recognised as Next Generation Partners, including Ellie Hibberd (Employment), Ian Thomas (Agriculture and Estates), and Kate Westlake (Social Housing), while Tim Lane (Corporate) was recognised once more as a Leading Associate.
Trusted Advisors
Speaking after the release of the 2026 guide, Managing Partner Richard Baker said, “After what has been another outstanding year for the firm, these latest rankings are further proof of the outstanding work being done. The teams and individuals recognised in the latest Legal 500 rankings have demonstrated the strength of our offer, and the expertise available.
“It’s a tremendous achievement, made more special as the rankings are based on testimonials from both clients and peers. That means the results are based on the real experiences of our clients and the outstanding work delivered. It’s a sign that our commitment to being trusted advisors and to providing first-class service to all of our clients. Being featured so prominently across so many areas really does highlight that Stephens Scown is a great place to work and to do business.”