Following another record-breaking year for the leading South West law firm, it has once more been recognised in the latest edition of the Legal 500. The prestigious legal guide again highlights individuals and teams who are among the best in the legal sector.
The firm secured the highest ranking across two areas of the 2027 guide, and in 19 areas overall. Rankings are based on feedback received from clients and peers, which saw a further 21 legal advisors singled out for praise, an increase on the previous year.
Top Teams
Celebrating again, the Family team kept its Tier 1 ranking, reconfirming it as one of the best in the legal sector. One client quote said of the team that they were, “Experts in all areas of family law.”
Previously named a Leading Partner, Sarah Atkinson was named in the Hall of Fame for her work in the Family law. One of only two lawyers listed, this ranking is a testament to her expertise and reputation in the sector. Andrew Barton and Sarah Walls maintained their ranking as Leading Partners for a second time, demonstrating the talent and expertise available to the firm’s family law clients. Having been named a Next Generation Partner for the first time last year, Lizzie Smith keeps her ranking, joining Thea Bennun who has again retained her place.
Also keeping its Tier 1 place, the Commercial Litigation team received plaudits from clients. Feedback for the team included, “I was introduced to Stephens Scown by a friend. What a great decision it was to use them. From my first contact, they reassured me that they could handle my case, and they did so with great knowledge and empathy for the complicated situation I found myself in.”
Multiple Rankings
The firm’s Employment team was ranked at Tier 2 status where it was joined by the Commercial Property team, Contentious Trusts & Probate, Corporate & Commercial, Immigration, Personal Tax, and Property Litigation. The Health team made the list at Tier 2 for the first time as its increased reputation helped secure a ranking.
Following an award-winning year for the Intellectual Property team, it retained a Tier 3 rank for another year. After placing for the first time last year, the Environment team maintained its place at the same level. Additionally, the Agriculture and Estates, Insolvency & Corporate Recovery, Planning, Professional Negligence, and Social Housing teams all achieved Tier 3 status.
The Charities & Not for Profit and Construction teams placed at Tier 4, showing the strength in depth and expertise at Stephens Scown across a wide range of areas.
Leading Lawyers
Nine Partners were named by Legal 500 as Leading Partners. Catherine Mathews from the Commercial Dispute Resolution team, Laurie Trounce, joint head of the Corporate team and head of the Charity sector team was named for both sectors, and Richard Bagwell, from the Property Litigation team featured again. Having placed as a Leading Partner for more than a decade now, Chris Twaits cements his position at the highest level.
Richard Slater, Partner in the Commercial Litigation team secured his second year as a Leading Partner. Adding to the group, Ian Newcombe was named a Leading Partner for the second consecutive year in the Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate sector.
New entrants to the Leading Partner list were Verity Slater, Partner in the Employment team, Lisa Mulholland, Partner in the Immigration team, and Andrew Knox, Partner in the Insolvency & Restructuring team.
After featuring in the rankings for the first time last year, James Burrows was marked again as a Next Generation Partner for his work in Contentious Trusts and Probate.
Others tagged as Next Generation Partners are Ellie Hibberd (Employment), Kate Westlake (Social Housing), plus Thea Bennun and Lizzie Smith (both Family).
Tim Lane (Corporate) was again listed as a Leading Associate, joined for the first time by Olivia Miller (Corporate), Catherine Davis (Construction) and Henry Barker (Real Estate) celebrating his recent arrival at the firm.
South West Regional Heavyweight
Commenting on the new 2027 guide, Managing Partner Richard Baker said, “Celebrating a successful year for the firm with another outstanding set of results in the Legal 500 is testament to the brilliant work being done throughout the business. Those listed have demonstrated consistent excellence, providing client service that sets them apart.
“That the rankings are formed from client and peer testimonials really speaks to the value provided and based on the lived experience of those we work hard to support every day. Our status as trusted advisers is not one we take for granted, and these results show our commitment to delivering first-class service and a terrific client experience.”