Legal 500 2015: “A high level of expertise and a well-deserved reputation”
The 2015 edition of the Legal 500, considered to be the leading independent guide to the legal profession, was released on 16 September 2015 with continued praise for Leathes Prior. The rankings show that the firm has three top tier practice areas with Fraud, Debt Recovery and Sport leading in the results. There are a further 17 areas in the second tier, once again proving Leathes Prior to be a leading firm in East Anglia. With 10 lawyers listed in the elite ‘Leading lawyers’ list (guide to outstanding lawyers nationwide) and 27 lawyers recommended in the 2015 editorial, the past 12 months have marked a year of continued progression for the firm. Leathes Prior’s key highlights from the 2015 edition include:
The firm maintains a tier one ranking in Fraud with “good, prompt advice” provided by Tim Cary and Tej Thakkar, who are “professional and impressive”. Tim and Tej are also praised for their work in criminal defence with the guide outlining them to “have a good understanding of case law and advise clients on realistic outcomes”.
The firm’s Sports Team, headed up by Dan Chapman, receives a tier one ranking as the specialist offering ‘Full Contact’ increases its nationwide following. The tier one Debt Recovery Team was described as “extremely responsive and effective” with David Richards recommended.
The firm’s debtcollector service, managed by Dawn Lossau, was outlined as “simply brilliant” and “extremely responsive”. The service was also highlighted to be “great value for money”.
Mike Barlow is noted to lead an “impressive” Dispute Resolution Team, with Darren Bowen and “rising star” Polly Langford recommended. Also described as a “rising star”, David Richards, is particularly highlighted for his expertise in personal injury. The firm is said to have “an eye for the strategic picture” when it comes to Commercial Litigation, with Mike Barlow described as “personable, direct” and Polly noted as “very impressive” in this area.
Polly was also outlined to have experience advising many of the independent schools in Norfolk as part of The Education Team.
The guide describes the Property Litigation Team to have “a high level of expertise and a well-deserved reputation”. Darren Bowen and Sabina Haag “have the ability to manage complex and difficult litigation”. The Commercial Property Team is praised with experienced Rob Sibley, David Clarke and Associate Paul Oldershaw all recommended.
The firm’s growing Agricultural Team is ranked highly with Rob Sibley and “property specialists” William Riley and Paul Oldershaw all recommended. Darren Bowen and Mike Barlow, with expertise in Agricultural litigation, are also highlighted.
The Insolvency and Corporate Recovery Team “rivals much larger firms” and provides “knowledgeable and commercial advice”.
The Corporate and Commercial Team is noted to have a strong reputation in Norfolk with Paul Warman and Peter Sheppard listed in the elite ‘Leading lawyers’ list and Richard Guthrie highly recommended. Peter Sheppard was also described to have expertise in advising healthcare clients on corporate and commercial matters.
The guide praises the Franchising Team. Mike Barlow is described to have notable experience in contentious franchising matters and Jonathan Chadd is also highly regarded for his experience in assisting small start-ups, retailers and public companies on international expansions.
Mike Barlow’s Intellectual Property Team was highlighted to have expertise in advising on trade mark licence agreements with Consultant Jonathan Chadd recommended.
The firm’s Employment Team is noted as “one of the big players in employment disputes in East Anglia”. “Tough fighter” Dan Chapman is described as “a household name in high-value matters”.
The firm’s Family Team is described as “helpful and professional” highlighting Head of the Team Alisdair Douglas and “rising star” Simon Willis to excel in divorce, financial remedy and private Children Act matters.
The Wills, Trusts and Probate Team is outlined to have formidable experience in “first-class” William Riley, who is STEP-qualified. Other members of the team Barrie Baker and Tessa Bonser are described as “rising stars”. Litigator Darren Bowen “has sound knowledge and good judgement” in this area with Sabina Haag described as a “rising star” in contentious Wills, Trusts and Probate.
The firm’s Charities work was highlighted, with “trusts experts” William Riley and Tessa Bonser, “employment specialist” Dan Chapman, and “unbelievably brilliant” corporate partner Paul Warman all recommended.
The guide highlights the firm’s Health and Safety specialism. Tim Cary and Darren Bowen are outlined to excel in defending corporates and individuals against HSE and Food Standards Agency prosecutions, as well as advising numerous local businesses around Norwich on licensing matters. The guide praises Tim’s experience as a part-time immigration Judge as well as Dan Chapman’s employment experience in relation to their ability to advise on immigration and nationality issues. Within Transport and shipping, “regulatory expert” Tim was again recommended and the firm’s Traffic Lawyers online service was noted as having an increasing nation-wide client base.
As Leathes Prior heads towards a notable anniversary of 140 years, the firm is delighted with another year of continued growth and is pleased to see another set of excellent results from the research.