South West law firm receives national recognition for private wealth expertise

Three Partners at employee-owned law firm, Stephens Scown LLP, have received the highest ranking and national recognition in the latest edition of Chambers and Partners’ High Net Worth Guide, which has just been published.

Following an extensive annual research programme, the Chambers High Net Worth Guide ranks the leading and most dedicated lawyers and law firms for international private wealth based on feedback from clients and other specialist industry professionals.

Private Client partners Phil Reed and Graham Murdoch retained their Band 1 status in the 2021 Guide, with both being praised by clients for their high level of technical expertise and thorough approach.

One interviewee comments: "[Phil] has a high degree of technical knowledge and always takes time to understand his clients' circumstances, meaning advice offered is comprehensive and clearly expressed." While Graham is described as having “a high level of expertise in dealing with trusts and estates.”

Charisse Crawford, partner and head of the Inheritance and Trust Disputes team at Stephens Scown, has also risen to Band 1, after being listed in the guide for the first time in 2019. One client says: "She handles clients with skill and aplomb and can defuse ticking time bombs." While another market insider describes her as a "force of nature," adding: "She has real energy and is very good, she is very ambitious and has drive and I like that."

Stephens Scown’s managing partner Richard Baker commented: “Our Inheritance and Trust Disputes and Private Client specialists work in very complex areas of law. Their legal expertise is matched by their efforts to support clients during incredibly stressful and emotional situations. The recognition by Chambers and Partners is particularly rewarding because it is based on feedback from clients.”

In addition, one source states that, "Stephens Scown are a very well-regarded law firm," adding: "The private client team have a professional yet friendly approach, giving the impression of working with a small local firm but with the resources and capabilities of a major regional firm."

"The firm has probably the most comprehensive range of services and lawyers in Cornwall and wider South West," reports an interviewee, while another concludes that: "they have a stellar reputation for private client."

Stephens Scown has over 300 employees, including more than 50 partners. It is the first large law firm in the UK to become employee-owned and has been ranked for seven consecutive years as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For (formerly Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies To Work For List) in the UK.

For more information visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk