DMH Stallard is pleased to report that it has once again been recognised as one of the leading law firms across all its key practice areas following the publication of the latest edition of the independent legal research directory, Chambers and Partners 2012.
Corporate and Commercial
The Corporate team, which focuses on acting for clients in the manufacturing, technology and healthcare sectors came praised for its “proactivity and effort in keeping us informed." Jonathan Grant, Head of Corporate, is praised for his robust negotiation skills and good understanding of the key issues, and Vincent O’Brien is described by clients as being “incredibly supportive, and understands our business and its demands."
Banking and Finance
The Banking and Finance Group is recognised as holding a niche expertise in advising acquisition finance and refinancing, including a significant volume of property finance and healthcare sector work. The firm is recognised as serving an illustrious client base of international banks and major corporate entities. The firm was described as having “a very strong relationship-led approach”, with Head of Banking and Finance, Gwen Godfrey noted for her expertise in the sphere of debt finance.
Technology, Media and Telecoms
Chambers and Partners recommended the firm’s TMT Group as an “impressively strong practice”, both within the IT, and IP rankings, describing the teams’ advice as “strong and to the point.” Once again, the practice is noted as one of the key players in the region, with several lawyers with previous industry experience in both legal and commercial roles recognised. Tim Ashdown, Head of the TMT Group came recommended, and his work for contentious IP work was highlighted. Clients praise the team's flexibility and indicate that it provides “easily understandable materials that non-legal people can deal with."
Dispute Resolution
In Dispute Resolution, the firm was described as continuing to be a leading presence in the local market, boasting a team with an impressive expertise in the full range of corporate and commercial disputes. The practice covers a diverse range of matters including IP, real estate and debt recovery. Head of Group, Simon Elcock is praised by sources as “a vastly experienced and unflappable litigator”.
Employment
DMH Stallard’s Employment Group was once again ranked in the top band for the south. The team, who act for substantial clients in the public and private sectors, frequently acting in tribunal proceedings, were recommended for their client service and quick response. Head of Group Rustom Tata was again recognised as a leading employment lawyer for his commercial awareness. Partner Simon Bellm was also recommended, and was described as being well known for his ability to deliver pragmatic commercially based advice to organisations in both the public and private sectors. “Pragmatic and thoughtful” Jenny Thorp also came recommended, alongside Julie Jones, whose clients agree that her advice is “spot-on” and “she knows her stuff.”
Local Government
The Local Government cross-disciplinary team, which offers a dedicated governance and procurement offering also came recommended and interviewees praise its understanding of public sector clients' needs.
Real Estate
The Real Estate Group came recommended, with the teams work with a range of commercial property work for both private and public sector clients highlighted. Both Marion Wilcock and Carl Burton came recommended. Interviewees praise the well-known Real Estate Litigation team for its efficient handling of the gamut of contentious real estate. Martin Allen is lauded for his expertise in the full range of contentious property matters on behalf of investors, developers, retailers, portfolio holders, public authorities, charities and institutions.
Planning and Environment
DMH Stallard's planning and environment team, which comprises both lawyers and planning consultants were once again ranked top. Sources say: “This team works well together, which gives it a competitive edge."
The Group came recommended for its work with issues surrounding Section 106 agreements, listed buildings, judicial reviews, renewable energy and enforcement was highlighted.
Heidi Copland heads the group and came recommended with an “extensive know-how”, and her experience of handling matters relating to waste, contaminated land, statutory nuisance and regulatory compliance, among others, was highlighted. “She is a dynamic individual who adopts a common-sense approach and is customer-focused and easy to deal with” enthuse sources.
Tony Allen is described as an “absolutely first-rate planning lawyer". His expertise lies in dealing with contaminated land and environmental impact assessments. He is adept in advising clients on the pollution of controlled waters, and also has experience in contaminated land and planning matters, among others.
Chambers and Partners Guide to the legal profession, together with Legal 500, is widely regarded as offering the definitive judgment of law firm capabilities. They are dedicated to investigating the legal profession in all the main areas of practice and on the basis of their research, identify the best law firms in the market.
To view the full results from this year’s research, please click here.
