South West Law Firm praised for client service in independent legal guide

One of the South West’s leading law firms has been praised for its expertise, experience and high level of client service in the latest edition of an independent guide to the legal profession.

Employee-owned law firm, Stephens Scown LLP, has confirmed its position as a regional heavyweight with another strong performance in the Chambers & Partners’ UK 2022 guide. The firm has ranked in 16 sections of the prestigious guide, with three teams and six of the firm’s lawyers receiving the highest Band 1 ranking, and several clients citing client service as one of Stephens Scown’s key strengths.

The firm’s Managing Partner, Richard Baker, retains his standing as an Eminent Practitioner and “an expert in rural land and mineral rights matters.”  While Corporate (M&A) lawyer, Giles Dunning, has once again been recognised as an Up and Coming individual for his: “…broad range of experience in corporate and M&A matters, notably in relation to transactions for IFA firms.”

A total of 28 lawyers from Stephens Scown are ranked individually, including new rankings for Laurie Trounce from the firm’s Corporate team for her work within the Charities sector and for Sean Jenner, who is ranked as an ‘Associate to Watch’ for his wide range of experience in both corporate and personal insolvency matters and for being“meticulous and thorough”. Meanwhile, Chris Tofts, already ranked for his work in the mining industry, has received a new ranking in the Guide for planning, with a client stating “Chris Tofts is excellent – he’s responsive and he offers good-quality advice.”

The firm’s family, rural and corporate teams have once again topped the rankings, with the family team being the only Band 1 firm ranked in both Devon and Cornwall. One client testimonial praised the team for being “…organised, efficient and technologically aware and providing a high-level service.” Three of Stephens Scown’s family lawyers – Liz Allen, Mark Chanter and Sarah Atkinson – have also retained their Band 1 individual rankings, while Jill Bruce, who joined the family team earlier this year, also has Band 1 ranking.

Specialist in agriculture law, Kate Theophilus, has also maintained her Band 1 ranking a specialist in rural land and agricultural tenancy matters, alongside property disputes specialist, Richard Bagwell, with Chambers stating that he “…continues to earn recognition and respect for his adept handling of complex contentious property matters for both public and private sector clients. One client offers high praise: "I have nothing but the warmest praise for Richard's client care, availability, expertise and confident guidance on litigation and property law-related matters."

Managing Partner, Richard Baker, says: “With a strong focus on delivering an outstanding client experience, it is wonderful to receive such high praise in the latest Chambers guide. Every ranking is testament to the hard work put in by all our teams, who go above and beyond to offer each of our clients with a personal and individual service tailored to their needs, helping them through the good and tough times.”

Stephens Scown has over 300 staff, including more than 50 partners, across the South West. The firm has been ranked for seven consecutive years in the Best Companies to Work For list (formerly Sunday Times 100 Best Companies) and enjoys top rankings in both the Legal 500 and Chambers independent guides to legal services. For more information visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk