Top tier rankings for Stephens Scown

One of Devon’s leading legal firms has been given the top ranking for two of its teams by independent guide to the legal profession, Legal 500 2014, which was published on 1 October.

Described as a “regional heavyweight” Stephens Scown LLP, which has its head office in Exeter, received tier 1 ranking for its family law team, as well as its contentious trusts and probate work, where it is the only firm in Devon and Cornwall to receive the top ranking.

Stephens Scown’s contested probate team is headed up by Phil Gregory, who is described by Legal 500 as “brilliant”, with “particular expertise in contentious probate and property disputes between co-habitees and other claims arising out of joint ownership of property”. The firm’s expertise in handling farming disputes is also recognised.

The firm’s family law team has received tier 1 ranking for seven consecutive years. The team’s head Liz Allen is singled out on the elite “leading individual” list and is described as “highly competent” and a “first class divorce lawyer”. Stephens Scown’s expertise in adoption, international abduction and domestic abuse cases is also highlighted.

In total Stephens Scown is recommended in a further 17 areas and 21 lawyers are recommended in the 2014 guide.

Other highlights include the firm’s dispute resolution team, which has retained its tier 2 ranking and is described as ‘always providing an excellent service', with practice head Chris Harper recommended for his ‘keen legal analysis and firm commercial approach'.

Stephens Scown’s commercial property team has also retained its tier 2 ranking and is noted for its strength in commercial landlord and tenant work and sector strengths in mining, agriculture and renewable energy. The team’s head Jonathan Hoggett is noted for his “client care skills and very good legal knowledge”.

The firm’s strength in immigration is also highlighted, as it is the only firm in Devon and Cornwall to be ranked in this category.

Robert Camp, Stephens Scown’s managing partner said: “Legal 500 provides a valuable independent assessment of our services. As a firm we put enormous importance on client service, and all of our staff work exceptionally hard to deliver for our clients. These fantastic results are down to their enthusiasm and passion for what they do.”

Stephens Scown has over 40 partners and 250 staff across its offices in Exeter, Truro and St Austell. For more information visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk