The Legal 500 rankings are a top, independent, leading guide to the best lawyers and law firms across the UK.
Ramsdens have been recognised as a leading firm in the UK by inclusion in this year’s Legal 500, ranking in nine practice areas across our private client and commercial practices.
Corporate & Commercial – Tier 5
Key Lawyers – Stephen Newman & Adam Cockroft
Clients praise Ramsdens Solicitors LLP for being 'able to distil complicated areas of law into understandable concepts.' In particular, owner-managed businesses approach the team for support in a wide range of company law matters, including share sales and purchases, asset sales and purchases, corporate reconstructions, management buy-outs, and joint ventures. The Huddersfield-based group is led by engineering and logistics specialist Stephen Newman. Senior associate Adam Cockroft is considered to be 'instrumental.'
‘Their ability to communicate at very regular intervals even when there is little progress to report. This ensures the client they are on top of the job.’
‘Adam Cockcroft was instrumental in ensuring I didn’t concede areas I probably would have without his expertise and input.’
‘Very client-friendly and responsive, able to distil complicated areas of law into understandable concepts. Particular expertise in family companies so great tact and diplomacy and ability to keep all informed and happy. Work well with other professionals – accountants etc. Very professional.’
Commercial Litigation – Tier 4
Key Lawyers – Nick Armitage, Paul Booth, Hilary Garnett, Jeremy Cook & Emily Walker
Clients praise Ramsdens Solicitors LLP for its ‘thoughtful, considered and commercial minded approach’. The team fields individuals with different backgrounds in commercial disputes; group head Nick Armitage has knowledge of commercial and residential property litigation as well as procurement cases, while 'brilliant tactician and negotiator' Paul Booth handles IP, shareholder, and construction disputes. Hilary Garnett and associate Emily Walker also have employment litigation expertise.
‘We consider the team at Ramsdens as an integral extension to our business. They are always on hand to talk though any issues arising from day-to-day business matters with a thoughtful, considered and commercially minded approach.’
‘Very capable, friendly, knowledgeable team who are available in a number of locations throughout West Yorkshire.’
‘Nick Armitage – very commercial and practical approach, excellent rapport with clients.’
'Brilliant tactician and negotiator' - Paul Booth
Employment – Tier 5
Key Lawyers – David Bradley, Gareth Dando, Paul Booth & Emily Walker
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP has seen an increase in matters relating to collective employee relations and trade unions, with a broad practice that includes work in the area of European Works Councils. Led by David Bradley , the group continues to develop its senior individuals and executive terminations offering, handling complex discrimination and whistleblowing cases. Gareth Dando and Paul Booth are also recommended.
The team are cohesive in their approach to clients matters. This makes for a more rounded and structured approach to complex issues requiring more than one area of expertise.’
‘Individuals in Ramsdens are very approachable. Directly on the end of the telephone they will often engage in conversation at the first call. Their aim is to reassure the client as quickly as possible that action will promptly follow.’
‘I have worked with Gareth Dando. He is available, clear and practical in his advice. He understands the sector and is personable and easy to work with.’
Clinical Negligence – Tier 4
Personal Injury – Tier 4
Key Lawyers – Natalie Marrison & Rachel Sharp
The clinical negligence and personal injury team at Ramsdens Solicitors LLP is led by abuse law specialist Natalie Marrison. The group is noted for its expertise in complex inquest work, with Marrison and associate Rachel Sharp acting as advocates at inquests following deaths at work, in the public domain, on the road or following instances of medical malpractice. It also continues to develop its clinical negligence offering, with the arrival of APIL accredited solicitor Nick Stojanovic from Hudgell Solicitors in January 2022. Areas of expertise include advising on serious birth injuries and delayed cancer diagnoses.
‘Ramsdens has a growing team comprised of exceptional fee earners. They handle a range of cases with an acute awareness of the impact that clinical negligence claims have upon those who suffer damage as a result of it.’
‘Ramsdens are innovative and forward thinking.’
‘This team works at the heart of every matter and keeps the client central to all issues at all times with exceptional communication skills and knowledge in their field that is second to none.’
Contentious Trusts and Probate – Tier 2
Nazia Nawaz – Next Generation Partner
Key Lawyers – Nazia Nawaz & Katie Whitehead
Nazia Nawaz heads the team at Ramsdens Solicitors LLP. The team specialises in advising on a range of complex matters, including inheritance tax and trust disputes, executor-beneficiary disputes, validity of will disputes, as well as financial abuse and misappropriated funds cases. In addition, it acts on statutory wills applications, and has experience representing clients in contentious cases of this nature in the Court of Protection. Nawaz is a full member of ACTAPS and STEP affiliate, and the team she leads is described as going ‘above and beyond expectations’ for its clients.
‘Nazia Nawaz was my solicitor and I have nothing but praise for her. She grasped my situation perfectly, and was able to support me all the way. She is very articulate and has been able to deal with some difficult correspondence from other solicitors. When she hasn’t been available to take my call, she has always returned my call as soon as possible.’
‘I think one strength that makes the practice unique is the approachability of the staff – they are all always happy to help and nothing is too much trouble; their availability is also an asset. They always try to carry out your instruction in the easiest and most cost effective way for you, and completely honest as to whether or not it is in your best interests to take a case forward. The knowledge of the team is exceptionally good.’
‘The team have proven their individual and collective ability to communicate effectively, operate in a proactive manner and show the level of in-depth knowledge necessary to undertake a complex case such as mine. From a billing and expectations perspective the practice could not have been more fair and understanding. For those in need of legal support and collaboration, I would have no hesitation whatsoever in highly recommending Ramsdens Solicitors and in particular Nazia Nawaz and the team supporting her.’
Family – Tier 2
Key Lawyers - Helen Thewlis, Joanne Coen, Kate McNally, Sarah Ward, Laura Beevers & Rebecca Sargent -‘extremely diligent’ family team
The ‘extremely diligent’ family team at Ramsdens Solicitors LLP is led by head of family Helen Thewlis and head of child care Joanne Coen. It advises on a broad range of matters; a significant portion of the team’s focus is set on asset division disputes resulting from relationship dissolution. It also drafts and advises on pre and post-nuptial agreements. Its workload predominantly consists of high-value, complex matters involving such emotionally and technically difficult issues as domestic abuse. In addition, the team specialises in children cases, acting disputes involving custody and childcare.
‘Rebecca Sargent has quite literally been my rock. She has always been professional and despite me not always wanting to hear her advice, I know she has always given it based on the law and what was in the children’s best interests. Rebecca has been constantly patient and tolerant with me and I have always felt she had given me the absolute best service and advice. Charlotte Eastwood is also very dedicated to my case and I always feel that I have been a priority for all the staff.’
‘The individuals that work for the practice make it stand out from other firms. The family team are exceptional in this firm.’
‘Ramsdens has a wealth of solicitors who are dedicated, hard-working and extremely diligent. Their representation within the Children Act sphere is second to none. Their cases are thoroughly prepared and it is evident that clients have been given realistic advice.’
Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate – Tier 4
Key Lawyers – Veronica Mullins & Michael Robinson
The team at Ramsdens Solicitors LLP is led by Veronica Mullins. It deals with technically and emotionally complex estate cases of significant value. Such matters include ‘re-building’ estates to discover the extent of their value and advising on the division of unique assets. The team is well-equipped to advise parties lacking in capacity and navigate difficult family dynamics.
‘Ethical, trustworthy and committed to their clients. Very capable and knowledgeable staff. High standards were displayed in all areas. Excellent communicators. They have commissioned me on a number of occasions to act for their clients, displaying a great standard of care and responsibility towards them.’
‘I would say that the team’s knowledge, experience and client communication were exceptional in the case that was being dealt with for myself and the family concerned. I always felt that I could contact the firm at any time should I need anything clarified.’
‘Clients are made to feel valued and not intimidated by legal matters with which they may not be at all familiar. Whist professional in every way, the services are delivered in a friendly and efficient manner. Communication is made as easy as possible. Billing is prompt and there are clear instructions as to various forms of settlement. I have always felt confident that the professionals and support staff will provide me with the best advice and guidance.’
Commercial Property – Tier 5
Key Lawyers: Kirsty Jackson - ‘highly effective and commercial partner’
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP has seen an increase in activity for its retail clients, including business parks, industrial units, warehouse storage and distribution facilities. Based in Huddersfield, ‘highly effective and commercial partner’ Kirsty Jackson leads the team and focuses on landlord and tenant matters, as well as advising property investors and developers on acquisitions and disposals of stand-alone and multi-let sites.
'The team provides direct, no nonsense advice with swift and accurate response.’
‘Always available when you need them.’
‘Very client focused and cost effective.’