Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire law firm, Wilkin Chapman LLP, have added more accolades to their latest legal guide recommendations. Hot on the heels of the firm’s success with listings in the Legal 500, the Lawyer UK 200 and the Lex 100, it has received four practice recommendations and four individual lawyer rankings within the influential Chambers 2014 guide.
The Chambers UK 2014 guide identifies and ranks the country’s top law firms and solicitors by region. Listings in the guide are based on thousands of in-depth interviews with lawyers and their clients and are conducted by a team of over 140 full-time researchers. To gain a listing in the guide, both firms and individuals must be recommended during the interview and research process.
The 2014 guide features recently defined regions which include ‘Lincoln and surrounds’ plus ‘York, Hull and surrounds’ within which, the Lincoln firm receives four recommendations - two more than in the 2013 guide. The agriculture and corporate & commercial teams are recommended in the agricultural & rural affairs and corporate/mergers & acquisitions categories respectively. In addition the wills, trusts and probate team is recognised in the private client category, whilst the commercial property team is ranked in the real estate category.
The firm has received several ringing endorsements for its services. In the category of agricultural & rural affairs, the firm’s reputation is highlighted by clients as ‘they stand out for their service and expertise.’ Within the corporate/mergers & acquisitions category the firm is recognised for its strong presence within the government-sponsored academy conversion programme and its industry sector expertise in the chemical and agricultural market space.
The wills, trusts and probate team has been recommended by clients on responsiveness: ‘Communication is always diplomatic, professional and efficient,’ and on client service: ‘They have a willingness to understand a client’s circumstances and concerns and be helpful on a personal level as well as in their professional advice.’ The commercial property team is highlighted as advising on residential and commercial development schemes and having expertise in a wide range of commercial property areas, including acquisitions and disposals, and is also recognised for its work in renewables, especially wind turbines
In addition to the practice area recommendations, several of the firm’s lawyers have been ranked as exceptional individuals. Philip Day, partner, is recognised in the category of ‘Senior Statesmen’ and Catherine Harris, senior solicitor, is recommended as an ‘Associate to Watch’ and as being very ‘thorough and efficient’ for her advice on the sale and purchase of farmland. Both are featured in the agriculture & rural affairs category within the Lincoln and Surrounds region.
As a senior statesman, Philip receives special mention for his ‘experience on a broad range of agricultural matters, from property transactions and taxation to review and reform of agricultural legislation.’ His appointment as national chairman of the Agricultural Law Association is also noted.
Within the private client category, Lisa-Jane Howes, partner and head of wills, trusts and probate, is recognised as a ‘band 1’ solicitor, which means that she is recognised as being a top lawyer in her field and for running a successful estate administration service, as well as managing the firm’s private client teams. She is recognised by clients as dealing ‘with all queries in a pleasant and confident manner,’ whilst giving the ‘whole picture.’ Imogen Holmes, senior solicitor, is recognised as an ‘Associate to Watch’ and receives recommendations for her ‘very professional, succinct approach’ and for delivering a service with ‘a unique personal and compassionate touch.’
Commenting on the firm’s recommendations, Julia Whittaker, chief executive, said: “This year has seen a large number of legal recommendations for the firm and serves as testament to the hard work of our specialist lawyers. We will continue to champion the provision of first class and affordable legal advice for clients in this region and beyond as we also expand into new areas such as renewables and construction law.”
Wilkin Chapman LLP employs more than 300 people and has nine offices throughout North East Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire. It is the largest law firm within the Newcastle, Norwich and Leeds triangle and prides itself on delivering specialised legal advice at a cost effective price.
Ends
For further information, please contact: Susan McKeon, Marketing Communications Manager, at Wilkin Chapman LLP on 01472 262622 or email smckeon@wilkinchapman.co.uk
