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The Chambers and Partners UK 2016 independent guide to law firms and individual lawyers was released on Friday 30^th October, with Leathes Prior highly recommended for another year. Read on for some of the guide highlights.

The band one Corporate and Commercial Team is noted for being known for aiding businesses in their M&A plans across all sectors. The close-knit nature of the team, right up to partner level, is particularly praised. Clients are outlined to describe the team as "effective, efficient, responsive and knowledgeable.” Clients also said “you truly feel like a client who matters and your file is not one of many" and "they seem to offer a very personable service which clients appreciate."

Peter Sheppard is a described as a well-regarded practitioner advising on an extensive range of corporate matters, with one client enthusing that "the comfort and peace of mind derived from his guidance was invaluable."

Sources also praise Paul Warman’s ability to “deal calmly and professionally with all manner of difficult or challenging circumstances in an unflappable way."

The Employment Team is highlighted as being able to provide support to both employer and employee clients on a wide range of work, particularly notable for advice on employment litigation.

Head of the team, Dan Chapman, is praised by clients for his “industry knowledge” as well as his “strategic approach.”

Head of the Family Team, Alisdair Douglas, is described by sources as "friendly and helpful" and "very sensible and pragmatic."  The guide goes on to say that Alisdair is "well versed in all areas of family law, including divorce, financial remedy, cohabitation and nuptial agreements".

The Dispute Resolution Team is described as being able to handle a broad range of disputes, particularly recommended for its strength in cases concerning the agricultural sector, franchising, professional negligence and probate. Client’s praised the team saying that they were "absolutely impressed by them - they're on the ball and know what they are doing, they're very professional.” One of the team’s client’s also described Leathes Prior as an"excellent firm which provides a high level of service.”

Head of the team, Mike Barlow, is noted as “an experienced and well-respected litigator” with clients describing him as "a solid lawyer who keeps calm under pressure and is totally unflappable." He is further praised for his commercial mindedness and "backbone for getting his client's agenda achieved.”

Darren Bowen receives excellent praise for his commercial disputes practice with the research noting his ability to manage complex litigation as an "an excellent tactician and decision maker.”

The Property Litigation Team is described as having a broad caseload featuring issues such as boundary disputes, easements and all manner of landlord and tenant disputes. The research highlights the team as having a proven record handling possession proceedings, especially interim possession orders and houses specialist advice on timeshare disputes. One client said “their attention to detail is excellent." 

Darren Bowen is again highlighted as a “well-respected property litigator, with particular expertise in agricultural disputes” with sources describing him as "calm and measured."

The Franchising Team is described as being known for adept management of a range of franchising matters such as premises acquisitions, re-sales and data protection. The team is noted to have a growing involvement in international markets on behalf of UK and overseas clients. The team’s ability to handle contentious franchising matters is also highlighted. The guide refers to one clients saying "their client service is perfection” and "the solicitors we deal with have great commercial knowledge.”

Head of the team, Ed Savory, is noted to be able to advise on all aspects of agreement structures, liability, and the acquisition and disposal of franchised businesses. The research outlines that sources appreciate his "practical approach and strong legal documentation." 

Vicki Mitman is highlighted as specialising in transactions connected with business expansion and licensing. The research describes sources praising her “commercial approach and her skill at contract drafting and negotiation”.

Jonathan Chadd is noted to act for businesses of all sizes and public sector organisations on franchising matters of all types. Sources describe him as "one of the most straightforward, sensible people to deal with."  

The Insolvency Team are described as “specialists, particularly renowned for work in the employment sector and property arena”. The team is noted to “excel in both transactional matters and litigation and frequently works closely with major insolvency practitioners across the region”. A client is described to have said "Leathes Prior offer knowledgeable and commercial advice on all insolvency-related issues".   

The team is noted to enjoy a fine reputation in the market, acting for a range of insolvency practitioners, distressed companies, directors and creditors. Ina Beurich is highlighted to focus on all aspects of insolvency, acting for clients in both personal and corporate matters. She is particularly praised for her strengths on bankruptcy proceedings concerning the relocation of EU nationals.

The Wills, Trusts and Probate Team is noted for providing a comprehensive service covering wills, estate planning, trusts, probate and elderly client services, acting for a number of valuable estates with assets in multiple jurisdictions.  Head of the team, William Riley, is praised as being a “key contact”.

This year brings another set of impressive results for Leathes Prior from the research carried out by Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 ( Legal 500 results here ). Special thanks to all those involved in the research, particularly our clients that were contacted throughout the process.