The Legal 500 is a directory of the most highly regarded law firms and practitioners in the UK. The directory is compiled using independent researchers who speak to clients, to other law firms and to professionals such as barristers to find out more about us and how good we are at the work that we do.
In the latest 2023 Guide three of our departments Family, Crime and Immigration have been ranked in recognition of their “cutting edge” and “innovative advice”.
Our Family Department has been ranked every year since 2012. In the 2023 edition the department is ranked once again in Tier 2 described as being “one of the few firms which practises both private and public law at a high level. It uses the breadth of knowledge of its partners and associates to ensure that its clients receive expert advice on all aspects of child law, particularly in cases with complex allegations….”. The expertise of the strong matrimonial team is also recognised with the partners of the team being referred to as “stand out junior partners”.
In the 2023 edition there is also special recognition for individuals within the Family Department. Head of the department and Partner Nina Hansen features in the Hall of Fame for her exceptional knowledge and experience. Nina is described as “outstanding”, a “doyen of international family lawyers” with “the ear of judges and … hugely respected.”.
In addition, children team Partners Laura Coyle and Hilka Hollmann are ranked as a ‘Next Generation Partners’. Laura is described as a “formidable opponent (with) a firm foundation in public law children’s cases, but also with tremendous experience in international work at the highest level.” Hilka is referred to as a “standout solicitor …(with) patience and tenacity as well as supreme client and case judgment. She is a one woman wonder.”
Also in the children team Chartered Legal Executive, Sophia Lambert and Assistant Solicitor Claire Leslie are also highlighted as other Key Lawyers.
The Family Department’s matrimonial finance team Partners Mark Kosmin and Georgina Stavrou are also endorsed as Key and Recommended Lawyers in the latest edition of the Legal 500. Mark is described as a “…talented solicitor…” and Georgina is noted for her “… detailed knowledge and experience…”. In the 2023 edition Assistant Solicitor Angela Kwokori also receives endorsement as a Key Lawyer in this area of practice.
Our Criminal Department has also been consistently ranked in the Legal 500 since 2012. In the latest 2023 edition the department was ranked in Tier 3. The team are described as “’exceptional’ (in) field(ing) litigation and advocacy teams which work together to represent clients in cases concerning serious fraud, violence and sexual offences. ‘Top quality advocate’ Michael Field, who has more than 25 years’ experience, and established the firm’s crime department, co-leads the team with ‘simply superb’ Kishoree Kotecha-Pau.” The Guide further describes the team as being “…very cohesive and well organised… polite and helpful…”, “….exceptional…” and “…the best law firm in the country…”.
Partners and joint heads of the Criminal Department Michael Field and Kishoree Kotecha-Pau once again received special recognition with Kishoree being ranked a Leading Individual and Michael maintaining his position as a ‘Recommended Lawyer’.
The Guide refers to Kishoree as “Simply superb – a totally dedicated, creative, highly experienced expert in both criminal law and financial crime with superb communications skills and an instinctive understanding of the human psyche.” Michael is described as “a top quality advocate and well presented, organised and very helpful. His understanding of the law and the court process, and ability to advocate effectively and effortlessly before judges is excellent.’
Partners Leo Martin and Peter Bedingfield are also ranked as ‘Recommended Lawyers’ in this area of practice. Peter in recognition of his work with vulnerable clients and Leo for his specialism in pre-charge advice.
In the latest 2023 edition of the Legal 500 our highly regarded Immigration Department are ranked in Tier 4 in recognition of their knowledge and expertise. The Guide highlights the team’s wealth of “experience in handling the range of complex human rights-related immigration matters, from nationality and citizenship applications to cases concerning deportation and unlawful detention”.
The Guide goes on to describe the team as “…eclectic …. with wide and deep experience of all aspects of immigration law…” and are noted as having a “Great depth of knowledge and experience, with modern and highly professional approach.” The team is led by “a veteran of the circuit, partner in firm and head of immigration, Oluwole Osibona. A steady, calm and extremely knowledgeable individual whose leadership ensures consistently assured service to the firm’s immigration clients. Oluwole is a great communicator, managing client expectations well and provides excellent instructions and background research too.’”.
Managing Partner and Head of the Immigration Department, Oluwole Osibona is ranked as a Recommended Lawyer described as a “…highly skilled and educated immigration lawyer ….. who will go above and beyond for his clients…” and noted for his “uncanny ability to put his clients at ease, whilst maintaining professional integrity and quality service.’”.
Also ranked as a Recommended Lawyer is Partner Ahmed Sesay for his excellence in the field.
Read More
