Each Autumn, we look forward to the release of the annual Legal 500 Guide. The Legal 500 prides itself on being an impartial and independent guide to law firms and is highly regarded in the legal community for showcasing the best-in-class firms, departments and individual Solicitors in regions across the UK.
The 2026 Legal 500 rankings are in, and we are thrilled to announce that Jefferies has once again been acknowledged as a leading law firm in the South East Region!
This year, we have been recognised in the following 3 categories:
- Commercial Litigation
- Commercial Property
- Family
Extracts from this year’s directory entry –
Commercial litigation: Essex
Jefferies Essex LLP focuses on commercial disputes and professional negligence claims, with a niche specialism in litigation arising from motor manufacturer dealership agreements. Sarah Mitchell, the firm’s managing partner, oversees the team and is often supported by Victoria Scott in handling a broad range of contractual disputes. Duncan Bennington has been lauded as ‘thoughtful, measured and strategic’ in his advice to clients involved in shareholder, director, partnership and property-related disputes.
Client Testimonials
- ‘A very balanced and efficient team who have provided a good service to us as clients and also to many of our own personal clients. They are always keen to explain their position and reasoning.’
- ‘Having dealt with a number of their partners, I have found that they all share the common goal of providing great service, great value and total clarity.’
Commercial property: Essex
Jefferies Essex LLP specialises in acquisitions, commercial refinancing and obtaining planning permissions, among other matters. Mark Hidveghy spearheads the practice, bringing his expertise in transactional matters, including the sale and purchase of various properties. Amelia Hayes handles commercial leases and supports clients with development finance and commercial refinancing, while Helen Martin advises on acquisitions and disposals, with experience in working on option and overage agreements.
Client Testimonials
- ‘The firm makes every person, whether client or not, feel they are welcome.’
- ‘We have worked with the team for many years now (over a decade) and continue to use them, and refer our wide network to them on a weekly basis. Even though the individual we had initially worked with moved on, we have stayed with Jefferies and have had great joy working with their replacements since to.’
Family: Essex
The ‘hardworking and extremely client focused’ family team at Jefferies Essex LLP is headed by Anne-Marie Rainsford, an ’excellent advocate’ with a specialism in children matters, including adoption, international matters, and non-accidental injuries. Sian Jenkins is also noted for her expertise in children matters: the team’s children law practice handles both private and public law children work, often acting for children. Brooke Robdrup-Kilgour is noted for this work.
Client Testimonials
- ‘The Jefferies team are kind, caring, approachable, and professional. They care about the children involved in their cases and work hard to ensure that best outcomes are achieved for them.’
- ‘Anne-Marie Rainsford and Sian Jenkins are dedicated and experienced solicitors who go above and beyond with their clients and provide a professional and first class service when representing them in Court.’
View The Legal 500 2026 Report Here:
https://www.legal500.com/c/south-east
The contents of this article are for the purpose of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.