Lawyers in south Hampshire were on tenterhooks while they waited for the publication of two highly-respected independent surveys, the Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession and the Legal 500. Here are the results...

Shoosmiths proud to be a "dynamic national firm"

The team at the Solent office of national law firm Shoosmiths is celebrating as a prestigious survey of the legal profession, just published, recognised the work of what it describes as this "dynamic national firm".

Chambers and Partners' research provides an overview of legal firms across the country, reflecting the view of both peers and clients alike and categorising its findings across a host of legal disciplines and within geographical regions.

The survey declares that Shoosmiths is "attracting high-quality work, recruiting high-quality partners and expanding nationally". And goes on to say that the firm has always been known for its "...dedication, confidence and business sense".

"These findings really are a mirror of the firm and its values, and it's great that they have summed up what we're about," said Richard Cook, partner in charge of the Solent office, based on the Solent Business Park at Whiteley.

"The Solent office was recognised in particular for its work in general commercial litigation where Richard was singled out, with rivals praising the group as "commercial", and highlighting its property litigation work.

Peers expressed their "great respect" for the commercial property practice at the Solent office.

Graham Bennett, head of the team, was given a glowing recommendation. Chambers said he is considered a "superb transactional lawyer" and "research proved him to be capable of winning clients from his impressive performance across the table." He was ranked as a 'leading individual' for the eighth year running.

Newly appointed planning lawyer, Kirsten Hewson, whose clients include IKEA, development agency SEEDA and oil giant Esso, has made her mark in the region with Chambers flagging her as an "associate to watch".

The corporate and commercial team, headed by Louise Finlayson, has undertaken a series of impressive deals. The corporate finance team was noted for its ability to work cross-border - "clients praise this firm for providing advice that is excellent value for money."

Paris partners singled out as experts

SOUTHAMPTON legal firm Paris Smith & Randall has again been praised by Chambers Directory and some of its partners have been singled out as experts in their particular areas of law.

Andrew Heathcock, head of company and commercial, is described by clients as "a finisher with a commercial mind-set". Peers note his energetic style and long-standing expertise.

Mary Siddall, head of employment, maintains her standing in the field and is described as a "pragmatic and sensible" adviser.

Neil Davies, head of family, has been credited with "developing a healthy mediation practice for complex financial cases". His highly skilled team is described as "extremely competent and broad-based".

Malcolm Le Bas, senior partner, received solid recommendations from clients and peers alike for his considerable expertise and experience.

Clive Thomson, head of litigation, is widely respected by sources as "straight, decent and vigorous when the case calls for it". His team was described as the sort that "make you sit up and take notice... are easy to deal with, but they don't give any concessions".

Mark Howarth, head of commercial property, is a long-standing leader reported by peers as being "capable of drafting you off the table". Marks' team sustains "a significant and long-standing presence" in the region.

Crispin Jameson head of tax and estate planning, is mentioned and is considered to be "technically gifted and good at guiding his client to a practical solution".

Bond Pearce is dominant force

BOND Pearce has been independently confirmed as the dominant law firm in Hampshire that "blows most of the competition away".

The latest edition of the Legal 500 guide describes Bond Pearce as "a national player of considerable credentials. Its Southampton office dominates the region".

Legal 500 places Bond Pearce in a class of its own at the top of its 'regional heavyweights' league table.

And for the first time Bond Pearce has entered Legal 500's London table for the quality of its national work in the field of renewable energy, for which it is "rapidly making a national name for itself".

In Hampshire, Bond Pearce is ranked in the top tier in the region for the quality of its services across a range of practice areas. In particular, the firm's environment and planning practices are described as "unrivalled" and "first class".

Bond Pearce managing partner Simon Richardson said: "Legal 500 puts Bond Pearce in a class of its own in Hampshire. It also singles out ten of our partners as leading individuals in their fields."