Top ranking for Exeter lawyers

A leading Devon law firm has seen the number of its lawyers recognised by Legal 500, an independent guide to the legal profession, increase by six. Eighteen of the firm’s teams were also ranked, with three receiving Tier 1 status in Legal 500’s 2016 guide, which has just been announced.

Stephens Scown LLP now has 22 lawyers from its Exeter office recommended by the guide. The lawyers who were highlighted for the first time include Toby Claridge (pictured), partner in the firm’s dispute resolution team. The team itself was one of three in the firm to be given Tier 1 status and praised as it “demonstrates a similar level of service and understanding as would be expected of a London firm”.

A recently promoted partner Charisse Crawford (also pictured) was also recognised as a recommended lawyer for the first time for her work in inheritance and trusts disputes. The team also received tier 1 ranking and was described as a “long-established ... with a strong reputation” for agricultural estates and Inheritance Act disputes.

The firm’s family team also received tier 1 ranking for the ninth consecutive year, with Exeter-based partner Mark Smith receiving recommended status for the first time in recognition of his work in multi-jurisdictional child cases. The head of the team, Liz Allen was named on the elite leading lawyers list and was described as “an experienced and tough opponent”.

Malcolm Emery, head of the firm’s private client team was also included as a recommended lawyer for the first time. The firm’s expertise in agriculture was also noted, with partner Susie Murray receiving recommended status for the first time.

Intellectual property is an increasing focus for Stephens Scown, and senior associate Neil Eagleton from the IP team, was another lawyer to receive recommended status for the first time in the 2016 guide.

Robert Camp, Stephens Scown’s managing partner, said: “Legal 500 is 100% independent so it is great to receive such fantastic results. I’m particularly pleased to see so many of our lawyers from right across the firm receive recommended status. It is a great endorsement of the strength and depth of expertise we have. Everyone in the entire firm works so hard to consistently deliver excellent client service, so this success is something that we will all share in.”

Stephens Scown has over 290 staff, including more than 50 partners, across its offices in Exeter, Truro and St Austell. For more information visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk