legal 500 2022 - the results

This year's Legal 500 results are in! The Legal 500 is an annual directory that rates and ranks lawyers and law firms across the different specialisms within which they work. 

Birkett Long have once again been recognised for our specialisms and lawyers. See the results below:

We have 7 listed a  leading lawyers in 8 areas:

Tracey Dickens in Commercial & Corporate and Public Sector

Peter Allen in Commercial Litigation

Julie Temple in Employment

Melanie Bache in Commercial Property

Philip Hoddell in Family

Claire Read in Wills, Trusts and Probate

Amanda Smallcombe in Court of Protection & Inheritance Disputes

3 next generation partners:

Lisa Collins in Family

Ben Parmenter in Wills, Trusts and Probate

Emma Wraight in Commercial Property

2 rising stars:

Emma Coke in Agriculture & Estates

Muntech Kaur in Family

Corporate and commercial in Essex - Ranked Tier 2

Birkett Long LLP is a major player in the Essex market, as is evidenced by its work for local names such as Wilkin & Sons Limited and Fläkt Woods, among various others. In addition, it also generates mandates nationally and internationally. Tracey Dickens heads up the team, which is spread across the Colchester, Chelmsford and Basildon offices. Its areas of sector expertise include banking, manufacturing, technology and construction. Recently promoted senior associate Tim Field leads a group that focuses on the health and social care sector, and is highly active in transactions involving care homes. Another key figure is associate solicitor Thomas Emmett, who is the head of education. David Wisbey is also recommended. In 2020, the team handled various matters for Project Etopia Group Limited, including an equity investment by a third party.

‘The lead solicitor, Thomas Emmett, is quick to respond and give his or a colleague’s opinion. He doesn’t waste any unnecessary time and ensures that, if it is a simple enquiry, it gets resolved with the hour.’

‘Each individual I have worked with communicates well and explains legal matters in a clear, comprehensive and understandable manner. In particular, they set out an estimate of costs at the very start of any instruction and rarely exceed that amount. I would give particular mention to Thomas Emmett and David Wisbey both of whom have been excellent in providing professional services in the corporate field.’

‘The team collaborate to ensure the best outcomes. Billing for our organisation ensures a number of policies are scrutinised. Superb support and advise provided in regards to legal claims.’

Commercial litigation in Essex - Ranked Tier 1

Birkett Long LLP undertakes work for clients throughout Essex, East Anglia, the South East and London and further afield. It is a first port of call for litigation, as well as arbitration, mediations and adjudications. The highly regarded team includes Peter Allen, who is an ADR group accredited mediator. Keith Songhurst heads up the South Essex dispute resolution department. The firm's work includes shareholder and partnership disputes, professional negligence claims and contractual disputes. 

Client Testimonials

‘Birkett Long delivers a wide spectrum of expert advice across many fields in law. If my lawyer is not expert in a particular field then I will be introduced to another partner to advise me. This aspect is convenient and gives me confidence that whatever issue arises, I can tap into the specific and expert advice.’

‘Honesty, integrity and succinct advice. Peter Allen listens to my predicament then offers clear options, but more importantly, explains to me which would be best. In my experience with previous lawyers I receive multiple options to a particular problem and the potential outcomes were not explained to me, so I felt like I ended up with more questions than answers. With Peter, I feel that my options are clearer with the associated risk understood. As a business person I often have to compromise my decisions to balance the risk to take into account the financial outcome, as well as the legal outcome.’

‘Down-to-earth and highly efficient, well organised team. Excellent client care’

Employment in Essex - Ranked Tier 1

Birkett Long LLP provides an excellent service to commercial clients in the employment arena, with its team advising on a wide ambit of non-contentious HR and other legal issues. It is also able to undertake advocacy in-house; Reggie Lloyd is a trained barrister, who focuses on litigation in the employment tribunal and civil courts. Julie Temple's recent work included matters involving issues such as redundancy, discrimination, whistleblowing and constructive dismissal.

Client Testimonials

‘Julie Temple offers excellent advice that has so far always resolved issues to our satisfaction. They have updated all our policies and advise our current legislation and trends which helps us when planning for the future.’

‘Birkett Long provide a service tailored to the needs of your business. The employment team are knowledgeable and responsive and if there is anything outside of their remit there are other legal specialists able to assist. There are webinars, and HR forum and on-line materials. They have been particularly responsive to the pandemic emergency with lots of helpful advice available.’

‘I work mainly with Julie Temple whose knowledge and experience of employment law is first class. She has worked with me on very complex long standing cases which have resulted in excellent outcomes. She is very supportive and responsive to urgent matters and her advice is always helpful and pragmatic.’

Insolvency and Corporate Recovery - Ranked Tier 3

Birkett Long LLP, which primarily generates work from clients in the East Anglia and Essex region, is primarily known for handling contentious work for insolvency practitioners and individual directors; areas of activity in this space include nil-asset recovery actions and proceedings brought under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986. Practice head Kevin Sullivan, who has over 20 years of contentious insolvency law experience.

Client Testimonials

‘‘They take great care to understand the issues and research the legal context pertaining to the issue before making recommendations. This has given us a competitive edge in negotiation and resolution of the problems. They are responsive and proactive towards meeting deadlines and effective at sourcing and briefing legal counsel where appropriate.’

‘Extremely prompt responses, very practical and good commercial advice. Very commercial and excellent value for money.’

‘Excellent relationship with team. Good understanding of insolvency legislation and innovative approach to case progression.’

Agriculture and Estates - Ranked Tier 2

Birkett Long LLP is highly regarded for its agriculture and estates practice in the Essex and Suffolk regions, which covers a broad range of work, from trust and estate creation and administration, succession and tax planning, to grazing licenses and easements. Practice leader Caroline Dowding is an expert advising farming families on areas such as partnership agreements, trusts, and succession planning. The team includes commercial real estate specialist David Rayner, who also leads the firm's environment and energy group. Associate Emma Coke is another 'key member' of the practice and specialises in agricultural law, particularly estate management regarding complex farm and equestrian sales and acquisitions.

Client Testimonials

‘Birkett Long have the deserved reputation of being one of the leading firms in the region within the agricultural and estates sphere, built up over many years. I have worked with them for over thirty years and have appreciated the depth of their technical knowledge.’

‘The department is run by Caroline Dowding, who combines technical knowledge with a pragmatic approach to finding solutions. She is particularly adept at grasping the family dynamics when executing partnership agreements, which can be so important. She is a very safe pair of hands and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Emma Coke is a key member of the team with vast experience. She comes from a farming background which must help in empathising with her clients. I have been impressed by her knowledge in the arcane and hazardous field of overage clauses.’

Contentious Trusts and Probate - Ranked Tier 2

Birkett Long LLP is well-regarded for its track record of work on inheritance disputes, including will disputes, estoppel and constructive trusts, and claims for breach of trust. The team frequently deals with applications to appoint deputies for property and health and welfare and with non-contentious Court of Protection work. The team represents some clients on a no-win, no-fee or deferred payment basis. Clients are both local and national, ranging from modest estates to high-value individuals. 

Client Testimonials

‘Amanda Smallcombe is passionate about the field she works in, she is the strength behind the team, and is forever looking to expand her knowledge in this area.’

‘Amanda Smallcombe is a versatile partner who has excellent client care skills and a constructive approach with opposing lawyers. Whether working side by side on a multi handed case, or on the other side of a vociferous dispute, Amanda has the client at the heart of the situation and is always looking for the right solution.’

‘Amanda Smallcombe is the standout lawyer in the team. She deals with cases sensitively but robustly, always putting her clients first. Bearing in mind many of her clients are potentially vulnerable, she really makes the effort to not over-complicate or let cases run away. She is good at seeing the bigger picture to ensure a good result for her client.’

Family in Essex - Ranked Tier 1

Birkett Long LLP's specialist team is spread across the Colchester, Chelmsford and Basildon offices. In addition to covering a full spectrum of financial cases and children-related work, it is also increasingly sought-after for advice on TOLATA (the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act) matters involving cohabitees. On the financial remedy side, matters often involve owner-managed businesses, and property and pension assets, as well as issues with an international dimension; Philip Hoddell (who leads the group in Colchester) is recommended for his expertise in this space. Elsewhere, associate solicitor Francesca Cozens has specialist expertise in grandparent work involving Special Guardianship Orders and Child Arrangement Orders. Lisa Collins,  whose practice is split between Chelmsford and Basildon, is the head of the South Essex team. Mel Loxley, and associate solicitors Muntech Kaur and Karen Johnson, are also recommended.

Client Testimonials

‘I trust Francesca Cozens completely and have no hesitation in recommending her to the other party in cases I am involved with, whether they are collaborative or non-collaborative cases. Francesca has a broad knowledge of family law and has a lovely way with clients. She is kind, patient and a very reassuring presence for her clients. I have no hesitation in recommending her.’

‘If Birkett Long are acting on the other side you know the other party will have good legal advice and Birkett Long with do their best to progress matters with a conciliatory approach.’

‘Birkett Long is the best firm by far. They have been such a strong supportive network to rely on in such breaking and hard times, nothing is ever too much trouble. I built a great rapport with them instantly, feeling listened to with the attention to detail and their excellent and clear communication skills they worked to resolve the issues. They are friendly, caring, warm and approachable. If my solicitor was unavailable, I received the same level of support and help from other staff members resolving issues immediately and with ease.’

Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate in Essex - Ranked Tier 1

Birkett Long LLP's standing in the market is reflected by its work for clients such as hospitals, charities, care homes and local authorities. One of the cornerstones of the practice involves advising high-net-worth business owners and farming families on complex estate planning arrangements. Another strength is in long-term care planning, where practitioners advise on NHS retrospective claims. Elsewhere, tax-related issues keep the team busy, including those concerning the non-disclosure of income and capital gains tax. In addition, wills disputes are a key workstream. Emma Clarke, Ben Parmenter and Claire Read co-head the practice. Amanda Smallcombe is also recommended.

Client Testimonials

‘Birkett Long always have a personable nature and are approachable on all matters. ’

‘The individuals I have worked with at Birkett Long always look out for your interests. They provide quality time and help wherever possible.’

Public Sector - Ranked Tier 2 

Birkett Long LLP's health and social care department handle a range of legal work for GP practices, care homes, dentists and pharmacists. Colchester senior associate Tim Field heads the team and has expertise in the needs of charities and not-for-profits. He works alongside Tracey Dickens, who provides multidisciplinary advice including corporate support and M&A to a variety of healthcare clients.

Commercial Property in Essex - Ranked Tier 1

Birkett Long LLP maintains a leading reputation in the residential development arena, where it acts for large national housebuilders on a wide ambit of issues, such as finance, plot sales and acquisitions, and site set-up. Elsewhere, the team has a strong profile among clients operating in the healthcare and education sectors. In addition, it acts for pension trusts and high-net-worth individuals on investment transactions. Property finance work from national lenders also drives activity; Melanie Bache has been instrumental in developing the firm's relationships with banks. Justin Stock is experienced in handling sales, purchases and leases of commercial properties, among other matters. Suzanne Bradbury co-heads the practice with Emma Wraight.

Client Testimonials

‘I worked with Emma Wraight. She was professional, easy to communicate with and hit her time deadlines. She was always available when needed.’

‘We were recommended Birkett Long for a property transaction and we were not disappointed in our choice. Daniel Sturman was allocated to us and from the start of the process his expert knowledge and consistent flow of information kept us well informed and in front for the whole experience. His attention to detail and explanation of the process was outstanding and a credit to his firm.’

‘Our main point of contact during our experience was Daniel Sturman, who was exemplary and a real credit to his company. Daniel’s work ethic and commitment to the cause was second to none, very professional at all times with a great delivery of news good or bad. ’

Intellectual Property - Ranked Tier 4

Based in Colchester, Birkett Long LLP's IP practice was established by the 2019 arrival of Jonathan Perlmutter, and now has a reputation for advising companies from the manufacturing, software and retail sectors on brand protection strategic as well as patent and trade mark applications. The group also works with members of its dispute resolution team to assist with IP disputes.