Dorset solicitors, Steele Raymond LLP, have reached a significant milestone, having been recognised as one of Dorset and the South West’s leading law firms by highly respected independent industry bible, The Legal 500 for the 16th consecutive year.
The expanding firm has, once again, been awarded the highest possible ‘Top Tier’ ranking by the independent directory in its key legal areas of Company and Commercial, Commercial Property and Dispute Resolution.
In a change, this year saw the Legal 500 significantly expand the geographical area in which Steele Raymond was ranked by not only covering Dorset but also including all law firms in Devon and Cornwall.
The guide also provided outstanding comments and recommended lawyers in six other legal disciplines including Employment, Family, Private Client, Education, Property Litigation and Contentious Trusts and Probate. Additionally, the firm’s Family team have maintained their annual ranking in the second tier across the South West region.
The latest ‘Top Tier’ ranking comes following another impressive 12 months for the firm, with growth and the arrival of a number of key legal appointments in residential development, employment, family, commercial property and dispute resolution. Despite the turbulence caused by Covid-19 the firm has continued to strengthen in key areas with strategic recruitment.
In total six lawyers at Steele Raymond are listed in the elite “Leading Individual” list, the Legal 500’s guide to outstanding lawyers nationwide, three of which were in the firms Property Group. ‘Leading Individuals’ include Chairman Tim Stone and Partner Paula Eckton for their work in Corporate & Commercial, Managing Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution, Peter Rolph, and three partners in the firm’s leading Property Group, Head of Commercial Property Chris Twaits, Property Partner Jennifer Rogerson and Head of Residential Development, Emma Stainwright.
Other welcome news includes the recognition of two further ‘Rising Star’ lawyers with the news that Senior Associates Lindsay Halliwell (Family) and Johanna Hammersley (Pension Property Investment) have both been recognised for their significant contributions and praise by peers and clients.
A further 12 lawyers are recommended within their individual legal disciplines across the firm.
Commenting on the latest rankings, Chairman of Steele Raymond, Tim Stone said:
“I’m absolutely delighted that once again Steele Raymond has received the highest possible Top Tier rankings in the Legal 500 across its core commercial practice areas and to do this for 16 consecutive years is something very special. It is testament to the hard work, resilience and complete dedication of all our team to ensure the best possible outcomes for our valued clients.
“It is particularly pleasing this year as the scope of the rankings were expanded significantly to cover not only Dorset, but also the counties of Devon and Cornwall bringing us up against some major national law firms.
“The Legal 500 is one of the leading independent guides to the UK legal profession. It’s a very good test for us, particularly as we are ranked alongside a number of large national firms. This latest set of rankings is a significant highlight because the rankings for the firm are based on the quality of our work, a rigorous interview process and of course, most importantly, feedback from our valued clients. Ultimately the results are for our clients – without them we don’t even get past first base!
“As a firm we continue to evolve and grow in a very turbulent economic environment. But we pride ourselves on our ability to serve – providing outstanding client support day in and day out.”
