The Legal 500 rankings are a top, independent guide to the best lawyers and law firms across the UK.
Ramsdens and our dedicated team are delighted to have once again been recognised as one of the leading firms in the UK with our inclusion in this year’s Legal 500.
Even more satisfying is the broad number of services across which we’ve been recognised, and some of the glowing words from our clients.
Below is an overview of each of the services that have been included in this year’s awards, with commentary from Legal 500 and client testimonials attached.
We have two services areas that have improved on their standing from the 2024 rankings:
Employment (up to Tier 4)
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP advises a range of corporations, from SMEs to PLCs, and offers advice on employment matters regarding senior individuals and complex cases such as discrimination and whistleblowing claims. David Bradley leads the team, offering expertise in trade union relations and change management issues. Paul Booth is experienced in complex employment disputes, such as those involving directors and senior executives, while Gareth Dando is noted for his commercial approach and breadth of employment knowledge.
Testimonials
‘The employment team at Ramsdens provide an expert and high-quality service with a down-to-earth attitude. They take a client-focused approach, which, together with their impressive breadth of knowledge and experience, results in confidence in their abilities and successful outcomes.’
‘Ramsden's always has an in-house solution to any problem a client might have. For a client, they are able to cross-refer to different internal departments seamlessly, and the quality of each team is five stars.’
Commercial Property (up to Tier 4)
The team at Ramsdens Solicitors LLP is noted for its ‘expert knowledge of property law’, often assisting with an array of site and lease acquisitions, planning matters, and development projects relating to affordable housing, residential and the retail sector. Huddersfield's Kirsty Jackson leads the team, regularly handling matters involving office, restaurant, leisure and retail spaces. Gwen Sharp joined the team in January 2023 from Pinsent Masons LLP, and specialises in investments and transactional issues.
Testimonials
‘Working with Ramsden’s commercial property, corporate and litigation teams has always been a pleasure for our business. Their expert knowledge of property law and strategic guidance have helped us navigate through complex legal issues and maximise our commercial revenue opportunities. From drafting lease agreements, negotiating complex contracts to providing invaluable advice on corporate and litigation matters, their dedication, professionalism and speed of turnaround are always exceptional.’
‘Excellent personal service from very experienced property team. They are very thorough and attentive. They understand the issues for trusts and pension funds too when buying property within such legal entities.’
We are listed as a ‘Firm to Watch’ for our Court of Protection services:
At Ramsdens Solicitors LLP, the team is led by Natalie Lang, who is praised as ‘supportive, knowledgeable and shares complex information in relatable ways’. Based in Halifax, the team are specialists in assisting and protecting vulnerable individuals who lack the capacity to deal with their own affairs, and have the expertise to deal with a full range of Court of protection services.
This is the teams first submission to Legal 500 and their recognition is testament to their continued hard work and dedication.
Alongside these improvements, the following services have maintained their 2024 tiers, which is another excellent achievement from all involved!
Corporate and Commercial (Tier 5)
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP’s corporate and commercial division is jointly overseen by Stephen Newman and Adam Cockroft, both based in Huddersfield. Areas of activity for Newman include the establishment of Employee Ownership Trusts and tax-driven reconstructions. Cockroft’s expertise encompasses corporate acquisitions and disposals, management buy-ins and mergers. Emma Spragg is another key contact in the Huddersfield office.
Testimonials
‘Ramsdens offered a very bespoke service for my transaction. Throughout the process, I felt as if Ramsdens weren't just looking to do the work and be done with me. There was a real sense as if they cared about the outcome.’
‘Though it would be unfair to pick one/ two out from the group of solicitors that I had working with me, I must say that Adam Cockroft and Sam Durling were the MVPs.’
Commercial Litigation (Tier 5)
Led by Nick Armitage from the firm’s Huddersfield office, the ‘extremely well-organised’ team at Ramsdens Solicitors LLP is equipped to handle work including shareholder and partnership disputes, contentious procurement work and engineering litigations. Paul Booth’s varied practice extends to mediation in the UK and Europe. In Leeds, Dean Hill‘s busy caseload includes matters related to unlawful evictions. Returning to Huddersfield, Emily Walker is described as an ’extremely thorough and meticulous’ practitioner.
Testimonials
‘Throughout the process, we were supported by a number of members of the team at Ramsdens. The team clearly worked closely together and were extremely well organised.'
'In preparation for a two-day trial and throughout the dispute, Emily Walker was extremely thorough and meticulous.’
Clinical Negligence - Claimant (Tier 4)
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP conducts a range of cases with a mix of values and complexity, with strong capabilities in hypoxic brain injury, cerebral palsy and fatality claims. Nick Armitage leads the team, assisted by Nick Stojanovic, who focuses on complex claims and fatal cases and is a skilled senior litigator. Also active are Rachel Sharp, who is proficient in high-value and multi-track claims, and Ian Miles, who specialises in claims involving multiple defendants.
Testimonials
‘Personal attention to detail, thorough knowledge of clinical negligence matters.’
‘Ian Miles is an excellent solicitor, a good communicator and has excellent knowledge.’
Personal Injury: Claimant (Tier 4)
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP is adept at handling a range of personal injury claims, including those involving issues of abuse, serious injuries, and multi-track claims; the practice is also skilled in group action claims. The team is spearheaded by Nick Armitage, who has a wealth of experience and is assisted by Rachel Sharp, Nick Stojanovic and Ian Miles.
Testimonials
'Rachel Sharp is a clear star in the department. Her focus is on high-value and complex claims. She is always well-prepared and has an exceptional understanding of medical and legal issues. This means that she inspires confidence in the client and can offer a personalised approach.
''The main stand-out points of this practice, in our opinion, are the timely communication skills and time taken to explain complex legal matters in layman's terms.'
Contentious Trusts and Probate (Tier 3)
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP, based in Huddersfield, supports clients with Inheritance Act matters, will validity disputes, and a range of trust issues. Nick Armitage heads the team. Katie Whitehead covers a range of contentious trust and probate matters. Steven Murgatroyd is a key name.
Testimonials
‘They dealt with my case quickly and effectively and the outcome was to my satisfaction. Highly recommend.’
‘Katie Whitehead dealt with my case, she was thoughtful to my needs and dealt with my case to a very high standard. Really impressed with her.’
Congratulations to Liam Brooke, who is listed as a leading associate within the contentious trusts and probate field, with Legal 500 recognising his ‘regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.’
Family (Tier 3)
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP is ‘a very highly regarded and well-established law firm in Yorkshire’, with expertise running the gamut of family law, advising on financial proceedings following divorce, nuptial agreements, and children matters. Joanne Coen heads up the children law practice, representing children in care proceedings, adoptions, and special guardianship cases. In Huddersfield, Sarah Ward focuses on financial remedy, often involving business assets.
Testimonials
‘Rebecca Sargent is thorough, great at communication, amazing at her job, dedicated, efficient. I literally can't sing her praises enough.’
‘What makes Ramsdens unique I feel is the people and the communication. My case was highly emotional for me and all the people I spoke to, especially Rebecca Sargent, were warm and empathetic to my situation, I never felt daft and everything I said felt validated.'
Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate (Tier 4)
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP provides comprehensive service on all matters relating to wills, trusts, estates and tax planning, with supplementary expertise in personal injury and clinical negligence issues. The team is led by Veronica Mullins, in Holmfirth, who has significant knowledge of wills and trusts. Michael Robinson made partner in 2023.
Testimonials
'The team at Ramsdens were amazing. I found them all to be very professional, however what I liked better was how friendly and caring they are. They made sure we were informed and updated with all the information we needed to know at the different stages.
''Michael Robinson at Ramsdens was truly outstanding. I like him very much. He is such a professional man and very clever - the communication was great, and he was very understanding. The support he showed was more than just a solicitor, I felt that I could really talk to him, and he listened.'
A huge congratulations to all our teams on gaining such prestigious industry recognition and the fantastic client feedback across the board.