19th October 2023 ❘

We are officially ranked among the best law firms and lawyers in the UK

Today we achieved eight ranked departments and 13 ranked lawyers in the Chambers UK Legal Guide 2024, which ranks the best lawyers and law firms in the UK.

Chambers and Partners has over 70 researchers ranking the best law firms and solicitors working in the UK legal market and covers 78 specialist areas of UK law and has been one of the leading sources of independent legal market intelligence for over 30 years.

On the launch of the 2024 Guide, eight of our departments have achieved rankings in the top two bandings, including Agribusiness, Corporate, Commercial Property, Banking, Medical Negligence, Personal Injury and Family law.

Our “strong” Commercial Property team was described as providing “excellent attention and communication” and praised for its “pragmatic and practical advice.” Helen Hayward was named as a notable practitioner described by clients as an “outstanding solicitor.”

Head of Corporate Michael Walby is again recognised as a notable practitioner acting on behalf of companies and shareholders, with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions and deals in the professional services sector. Client praise for Michael includes “he has proved himself time and time again, offering excellent advice in a timely manner, and a pleasure to deal with”, “he must be the go-to corporate lawyer in the region, as he is highly regarded by many in the local business community” and “one of the best commercial solicitors in the North-West.”

Our expanding Corporate team goes from strength to strength, with the recruitment of two Corporate partners Peter Robinson and Paul Bell, and a further Corporate partner joining the team in November.

Our Family team was praised for having “an excellent understanding of the law.” Emma Armstrong was named as an “Associate to Watch” and is described by clients as being “incredibly helpful and professional.”

Our Banking team is led by new head of department and notable practitioner Nicola Nutley, who has strengthened the team with her “excellent support” and is described as “a delight to work with.” The depth of the team which acts for a number of leading banks is also bolstered by new addition Jonathan Yates, who joined the firm this Summer.

Our Medical Negligence team was noted for its “fantastic service from everyone” with Michelle Armstrong named as a notable practitioner and Lynne Hall named yet again as a Star Associate.

Our Personal Injury Team has been recognised for being “knowledgeable and capable.” Spencer Knaggs was described as “One of the best practitioners in the North-West of England”. Personal injury specialist Paul Brown was described as “a real fighter and is determined to get the best.” They were both named as notable practitioners.

Our Agribusiness team is described as giving “excellent support” and being “professional and knowledgeable.” Richard Miller and Joanne McKenzie were both named as notable practitioners, with Richard described by a client as being “the very best” and Joanne as being “awesome”. Diane Barnes was described as an “extremely diligent and professional” and ranked as an “Associate to Watch”.

Our Managing Partner Nick Gutteridge said:

“Following on from the outstanding results in this year’s Legal 500 Rankings, it is very pleasing to see us being recognised by Chambers as one of the leading firms across the North yet again. To have our had work and commitment recognised means so much to us.

“Client feedback is key to achieving Chambers’ rankings, and the feedback from our clients about our lawyers and the specialist departments that they work in reflects the pride that our people put into their work. We are extremely excited about the future for Burnetts, as we continue our expansion across Cumbria and the North East.”