The Legal 500 has published it’s United Kingdom 2024 edition. And we are proud to announce that Reeds Solicitors LLP has been ranked as a Top Tier criminal law firm.
About the Legal 500
For over 30 years, the Legal 500 has assessed the strengths of law firms in over 150 jurisdictions. The results are published in the form of ‘Rankings’ by region and practice area. Rankings can be viewed free of charge at their website here.
Rankings are determined by feedback from clients worldwide, evidence-based submissions from law firms, intelligence from a dedicated team of research, as well as direct interviews with leading private practice solicitors. The Legal 500 rankings are a way of demonstrating which law firms are delivering the ‘most cutting edge and innovative advice’.
The leading criminal defence and multi-disciplinary firm, Reeds Solicitors, has been listed as a Top Tier Firm in two practice areas. Reeds has ranked in two other practice areas, and has received recommendations in a further two.
“Reeds stand out in the marketplace for their efficiency, competency and thoroughness. Every case is prepared immaculately and to an impressively high standard. They truly are leaders in the field.
Across the board, this is an excellent firm. There is no weak link. Great communication, cases thoroughly prepared and every avenue is pursued.”
(Testimonial from Legal 500 2024 Edition)
Top Tier Criminal Defence Law Firm
Published on the 4th October 2023, the results represent the rankings for 2024. The Legal 500 has once again ranked Reeds Solicitors as TOP-TIER in two areas for General Crime.
Reeds Solicitors are Top-Tier in the South East and South West regions in the 2024 edition. This marks another year that the criminal defence practice is recommended as a top-tier firm in these regions.
“The total package. Trusted with some of the most serious criminal defence on offer and they regularly deliver. Client care is second-to-none and, most importantly, they are readily available when required.”
“I would highly recommend the criminal team to anyone in need of legal assistance. Their expertise, professionalism, and personalised approach make them stand out from the competition, and I have valued their qualities of clear communication, dedication, and attention to detail in my interactions with them.”
Other Ranked Practice Areas
This year Reeds Solicitors have also ranked in three other practice areas.
The North West General Crime practice, led by Beth Mantel, has achieved rank 2. The department led by ‘Rising Star’ Beth Mantel was described as ‘the total package’. The Legal 500 called the team ‘highly experienced, dedicated and knowledgeable’. This result is an increase against last year’s Rank 3.
The London General Crime, has achieved rank 4 for the second year running. Peer testimonials recognise that Reeds as “an excellent all round criminal firm” which is “professional, well regarded… … hosting a number of excellent criminal defence lawyers.”
And finally, but in no way less, our London Fraud and White Collar Crime department has secured a new ranking at Tier 6, commenting that the team have “great strength in depth”. This is Reed’s second year submitting for the department, which is a great achievement.
Legal 500 Recognise Reeds Solicitors’ Individuals in Rankings
Reeds Solicitors are immensely proud to announce that many its individual lawyers are ranked this year for their contributions to the firm.
Oxford-based partners Stuart Matthews (Head of Private Crime) and Julian Richards (Head of Complex Crime) continue to be named as leading individuals in the South East of England. The Legal 500 comments on Stuart’s “razor-sharp intellect and superb client care skills”. They add “Stuart Matthews – manages to manoeuvre even the most difficult of clients to where they need to be with precise skill, an expert in getting cases dropped pre-charge”.
Julian Richards has been recognised as “one of the best in the [criminal defence] business”, and define him as “one of the stars of his generation”. The Legal 500 recommend him for his advice on large-scale drugs, money laundering and white-collar crime matters.
South West Solicitor-Advocate Stephen Clifford, Partner and COLP in the Bristol branch, is once again listed as a leading individual.
“Stephen Clifford – remains at the top of his game. A real go-to solicitor for serious cases.”
A big congratulations to Partner Nicola Hutchinson, named as a next generation partner once again. Nicola is Solicitor-Advocate and Area Manager in our Bristol branch. For Nicola, the Legal 500 points out her reputation for “her persuasive advocacy skills”, stating that her knowledge of criminal law is “outstanding, as is her attention to detail in the careful preparation of each one of her cases”.
Two of our staff received Rising Star recognition this year. A Rising Star is someone who appears frequently in significant matters and are widely cited by peers and clients as having made major contributions to practices. Congratulation to Andy Lee, Solicitor-Advocate in the Bristol branch, who is named as a rising star for the third year running. Andy is mentioned as “an exceptional solicitor with a wealth of experience in serious and complex matters.” He is noted for his “wealth of experience in serious and complex matters”.
Congratulations goes also to Beth Mantel, who has received her first recognition as a Rising Star at Reeds. The Legal 500 comment that Beth is “approachable, professional, and very popular with clients”. They continue to say that:
“Beth Mantel is without doubt one of the best criminal solicitors in the North West. Beth’s legal acumen and eye for detail are top drawer. Her client care is second-to-none; she always goes the extra mile for her lay clients and is extremely professional and dynamic when reacting to counsel’s advice.”
Lucy Tapper, our in-house counsel, has been recognised as a leading junior. They say that Lucy is “a deeply committed advocate” adding that “Clients are attracted to her ability to communicate complex ideas easily and succinctly in a matter that is easily digestible. She is always fully prepared for any conference or hearing and always has a comprehensive grasp of the case. Her advocacy is fluent and accomplished.”
Finally, Reeds Solicitors would like to congratulate our staff who have received mentions this year, including Scott Primmer, Sundeep Soor, Damian Wall, and Lisa Paton. All of whom were all recommended by Legal 500 this year.
