Best Legal 500 results to date for law firm that “goes above and beyond”

October 2, 2020

Tees, the local law firm with offices in Bishop’s Stortford, Cambridge, Royston, Saffron Walden, Brentwood and Chelmsford, is pleased to announce its best results to date in this year’s Legal 500 directory.

Tees, which merged with Brentwood-based law firm Wortley Byers in January 2019, was recommended in 24 practice areas this year – with an astounding four departments rated in the Top Tier 1 category, up from two last year. The firm was also delighted to see nine of its solicitors named as Leading Individuals (up from seven last year), one as a Next Generation Partner, and 12 as Rising Stars. A further 31 lawyers were highlighted as Recommended Lawyers. The results demonstrate the excellence of both the firm’s departments and the standout individual lawyers who contribute to their success. For 33 years, the Legal 500 has been analysing the capabilities of law firms across the globe in over 150 jurisdictions, highlighting the practice area teams who are providing “the most cutting-edge and innovative advice” to their clients.

Two of Tees’ Private Client practice areas were upgraded to the prestigious Tier 1 status this year. Firstly, the firm’s Agriculture and Estates practice area  in the South East, headed up by “knowledgeable” and “efficient” Commercial Property Partner David Miller and Private Client Partner Letty Glaister was credited for its “personal service, which is often missing from business dealings these days” and described as a “very professional practice which is both organised and flexible, with the clients’ best interests at the forefront.”

The second practice area to receive Tier 1 status for the first time  is Tees’ Family Law team in Essex, headed up by Leading Individual Louise Margiotta and Partner Joshua Coombe. Sally Powell leads the Family department across all Tees’ offices. The directory credits Tees’ successful 2019 merger with Brentwood-based Wortley Byers for the team’s increased expertise across a range of family law areas, including judicial separation, domestic abuse and child arrangements, with niche specialism in fertility work.

One client commented: “I was very relaxed about the divorce and Tees Law definitely supported me the whole way. Brilliant company and they look after all their clients.”

Speaking of Leading Individual Louise Margiotta, another described her as “exceptional: sympathetic to my situation, implementing a comprehensive approach to my case, encouraging, pushing me and being firm when required (all to achieve the best legal outcome for me as her client).” Joshua Coombe is noted as “a fearless advocate for his clients, in both high worth money cases and children matters”.

Retaining their Tier 1 titles were the Commercial Property practice area in Essex and the firm’s lauded Medical Negligence practice area in Cambridge. Headed up by Next Generation Partner Aaron Cane, the Commercial Property practice area received acclaim for its “unrivalled level of service” and “extremely professional” attitude. Aaron Cane was described as being “at the very top of the list” and “very much in demand”, while Jane Winfield  named again as a Leading Individual this year, was described as “outstanding”, “particularly knowledgeable and helpful” and “impressive” by several different clients.

Meanwhile, a third Leading Individual joined the Cambridge Medical Negligence Tees team’s ranks this year, in addition to Leading Individuals Partners Janine Collier and Tim Deeming. Vicki Seabrook, who joined the team following a merger with niche firm Scrivenger Seabrook, was lauded as “an outstanding individual with decades of experience running the toughest medical litigation.” Meanwhile, Janine Collier was praised by multiple clients, who called her “amazing to work with”, “intelligent and insightful” and “exceptionally good at analysis, organisation and strategy”.  Tim Deeming was highlighted as “outstanding” and “supportive, friendly, knowledgeable, willing and comforting.”

While most Leading Individuals listed this year had retained their titles from previous years, Sara Stabler, a Senior Associate in the Cambridge Dispute Resolution team, not only retained a previous Leading Individual title for her excellent work on Contentious Trusts and Probate, but gained a rare second title in the Commercial Litigation category. She is commended for “bringing a pragmatic approach to litigation, providing realistic solutions for her clients.”

Commenting on this year’s results, the Group Managing Director at Tees, Ashton Hunt, said: “What incredible results for the team at Tees, and so very well deserved. The fact that we have two brand-new Tier 1 practice areas , in addition to a host of Leading Individuals and Rising Stars, demonstrates our commitment to progress, our dedication to achieving the best outcomes for our clients, and our commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent. We truly care about each and every one of our clients; the ratings and comments we have received this year cement our position as a trustworthy, caring and respected local law firm. We look forward to what the future brings.”