It’s that time of year again, as Legalease publishes its latest Legal 500 guide. The Legal 500 prides itself on being an impartial and independent guide to law firms and as such, is highly regarded in the legal community for showcasing the best-in-class law firms, departments and individual Solicitors in regions across the world.
Their annual Legal 500 law firm rankings are eagerly anticipated every October, and we’re delighted that Jefferies has again been acknowledged as a leading law firm, with rising stars amongst our teams, in the South East region.
This year, we’ve been recognised in the following 5 categories:
- Corporate and Commercial
- Commercial Litigation
- Family
- Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate
- Commercial Property
Mark Rothman was named a Next Generation Partner in Commercial Litigation, and the following Solicitors have been recognised as Rising Stars in their specialisms:
- Duncan Bennington – Commercial Litigation
- Farah Naz – Family
We’re proud of these results, and thrilled with our first listing in the Corporate and Commercial category, as these reflect Jefferies’ position as one of the top legal firms in the South East. Read on for all the details and reviews of our specialist departments.
Corporate and Commercial in Essex
As a testament to the hard work and dedication of Katrina Holland, Jefferies Essex LLP ranked in Tier 4, for the first time, in the Corporate and Commercial category. Amelia Hayes was also acknowledged for her contributions to the category.
The Legal 500 guide states: “Handling a varied portfolio of work, the corporate and commercial team at Jefferies Essex LLP covers areas such as; mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, company restructures and small business sales. Specifically, its footprint has been established in the service of local SMEs, trade businesses and various charitable organisations. Led by trade and acquisitions expert Katrina Holland, it is capable of handling both regional and national work. Amelia Hayes is experienced in the property sector.”
Client testimonials:
“The great thing about all my dealings with Jefferies is their availability and attention to detail. Also their commercial approach to getting things done.”
“Jefferies’ expertise and experience has supported and guided us through what could have been a very difficult period in our history. They have provided solutions and assistance, and throughout, they have been very responsive and solution oriented, providing a very friendly service, displaying a real interest in us and giving us the confidence to proceed.”
“A strong commercial instinct that supports the legal advice provided. Experienced and competent individuals who support and advise on a pro-active and commercial, cost-effective basis.”
Commercial Litigation in Essex
It was another successful year for our “outstanding” Commercial Litigation team, led by Sarah Mitchell and Mark Rothman from our Southend office, as they ranked in Tier 2 for their “excellent” service in both domestic and international issues. Our work helping New Dawn’s clients in a legal challenge to HMRC’s calculation of tax losses was noted as a department highlight in this year’s guide. Following on from his success in 2019, we’re delighted that Mark Rothman was again recognised as a Next Generation Partner in this category. Likewise, Duncan Bennington, who deals with cases involving elements of insolvency, professional disqualification, and property disputes, was acknowledged as a Rising Star in Commercial Litigation.
As the Legal 500 guide shares: “Respectively, they are known for providing specialist advice to the automotive and charitable sectors. More broadly, the firm covers everything from small claims to multimillion-pound disputes and has handled group litigation work at the High Court. Clients are sourced from across the UK (as well as overseas) and cover industries such as marine, housing and education.”
Client testimonials:
“The team at Jefferies is outstanding. They work together across multiple disciplines to offer a seamless service. This together with a wealth of experience allows clients to maximise their benefits and advice. having been a client for over two decades I would not consider going anywhere else.”
“The team is adventurous in the work they will take on and currently have both domestic and international workload. This is very unusual for a provincial practice and sets it apart.”
“I would assess the overall level of service received to be excellent. I felt they really wanted to understand my business to be able to give me decisive advice to enable me to make informed commercial decisions. Their team are readily available to answer all questions and we feet reassured by their comprehensive depth and breadth of knowledge. Advice is clear, concise and relevant at all times and, in my opinion, offered good value for money.”
Family in Essex
Noted for its “exceptional” level of “care, dedication and passion”, the Family Law department was proudly ranked in Tier 3 in the Legal 500 guide. Farah Naz was celebrated as a Rising Star this year, thanks to her “professional” and “reassuring” demeanour, predominately acting for clients in divorce cases. The department was also recognised for its handling of international cases and support with issues relating to civil partnerships.
The Legal 500 guide comments: “Southend-On-Sea based Farah Naz is in charge of the family team at Jefferies Essex LLP. Offering clients assistance in divorce and financial proceedings, the team handles medium to high-net-worth financial proceedings that feature international elements. In addition, it covers civil partnerships and is adept at orchestrating claims arising from TOLATA principles.”
Client testimonials:
“The care, dedication and passion from all at Jefferies Essex LLP is exceptional. They are driven to ensure that all aspects of very difficult cases are handled with care and compassion whilst being realistic. The practice is not driven by money but on ensuring their clients receive the best care and support. The expertise and experience on offer is outstanding”.
“Farah Naz is very available to clients.”
“Farah Naz has worked tirelessly to ensure that the divorce is dealt with in a way that has the least lasting damage to myself and my children. Her advice is second to none. She is always available to support and answer any questions. I particularly appreciate that Farah is able to be honest even if it is not what I want to hear. She does this in a professional and reassuring way. She is everything I could have wanted in a solicitor acting for me. I am grateful that she is on my side and not against me!”
Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate in Essex
Our Wills, Probates and LPA department was recognised again this year’s guide, ranked in Tier 3 in the Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate category for the second year in a row. The team, led by Gill Tobin, were noted for their “sympathetic approach” when dealing with sensitive issues, while Philip Conway and Amelia Hayes were also acknowledged for their roles within this department.
The guide states: “Based in Southend on Sea, Gill Tobin leads the personal tax, trusts and probate team at Jefferies Essex LLP. A fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, she covers a broad range of matters including wills drafting and lasting powers of attorney. More broadly, the practice has grown significantly since the acquisition of Conway & Conway in 2018, resulting in significant expansion of the firm’s executor work. Other services available are grant of probate and advice on estate administration. Names to note include Philip Conway and Amelia Hayes.”
Client testimonials:
“All work is carried out efficiently and professionally. Jefferies has always been our first choice for dealing with needs.”
“An excellent service with plenty of back-up across the board. A sympathetic approach to matters, especially bereavement and the aftermath.”
“Personal, friendly assistance in time of personal distress.”
Commercial Property in Essex
We’re thrilled that Mark Hidveghy and his Commercial Property team of “standout characters”, including Amelia Hayes, Katrina Holland and Helen Martin, were featured in this year’s Legal 500 showcase – ranked in Tier 3 for the Commercial Property category in Essex for the second year running.
As shared in the Legal 500 results: “With 30 years’ experience, Southend on Sea-based Mark Hidveghy heads the commercial property team at Jefferies Essex LLP. His experience includes advice on the sale and purchases of hotels, factories, public houses and shopping centres. More broadly, the firm’s offering caters for regional and nationwide clients and supports local firms as well as international trust companies. Katrina Holland, Amelia Hayes and Helen Martin, a recent hire, are recommended.”
Client testimonials:
“A friendly, accommodating firm.”
“Expertise in all areas of law that I have ever needed.”
“Katrina Holland, Amelia Hayes and Helen Martin are the standout characters.”
Legal 500 results overview
Congratulations, Jefferies! We’ve had another stellar year of achievements in the Legal 500 guide. These results are a well-deserved reflection of the dedication of every single member of the team at Jefferies, as we strive for the best results on every case. We’d also like to thank our clients for their kind reviews.
To find out how our “exceptional” team can help you, please get in touch. Contact us on 01702 332 311.