21 October 2021

Chambers and Partners continues to recognise Forsters as one of the leading London firms

Chambers and Partners have today launched their latest guide to the legal market. Forsters is delighted to report that it has maintained its Top Band status in both Real Estate and Agriculture & Rural Affairs, and that the firm's Property Litigation practice has been elevated to Band Two.

The news follows the firm's success in the Chambers HNW Guide, where our Private Wealth Law and Private Wealth Disputes teams retained their Top Band ranking.

The UK Guide ranks 24 of Forsters' leading Partners and Counsel and also recognises other expert teams including Property Litigation, Family and Construction. Included this year are four new individual rankings; Ben Barrison, Emily Holdstock, Richard Spring and Victoria Towers.

The Guide reports that "High-level client service and prompt, well-resourced and informed advice." Are key features of the firm, further cementing Forsters reputation as one of the preeminent firms in the London market.

Agriculture & Rural Affairs - Band 1

Ranked Lawyers: Andrew Lane, Christopher Findley, Henry Cecil, Penny Elliott and Rupert Mead (increase to Band Two)

Chambers notes: Well-regarded rural team with capabilities across rural property, tax and contentious work. Clientele includes owners of traditional landed estates as well as international purchasers.

"It's a dynamic team who are able to apply considerable skill and focus to a specific project. They have a depth of knowledge but more importantly approach problems with a can-do attitude and take particular care around managing their clients."

Real Estate: Mainly Mid-Market - Band 1

Ranked Lawyers: Smita Edwards, Victoria Towers (newly ranked, Band 4) and Eugene McMahon

Advises a number of leading real estate funds, offering expertise in all kinds of investment transactions. Also handles development matters including sizeable residential schemes. Represents developers, investors and landlords in relation to retail property concerns and also has notable expertise in handling matters related to the logistics sector. Continues to advise The Crown Estate on a range of matters concerning its London property portfolio.

One client says: "The team is experienced, knowledgeable, accurate and proactive. We have always had a good experience working with them, even on difficult projects."

Real Estate Litigation - Band 2

Ranked Lawyers: Natasha Rees, Ben Barrison (newly ranked, ‘Up and Coming’) and Jonathan Ross

Chambers Notes: Represents a broad client base ranging from institutional investors and funds to property developers. Advises on a wide range of residential property disputes and enfranchisement cases. Maintains substantial expertise in contentious matters concerning rights to light, service charge disputes and professional negligence claims.

A great quote for Ben: "He's a pleasure to work with and has a good relationship with clients. He recognises the strengths and weaknesses of a case and gives clear instructions."

Family/Matrimonial - Band 4

Ranked Lawyers: Joanne Edwards (increase to Band Two), Rosie Schumm and Simon Blain

Chambers notes: Broad practice covering complex and high-value financial remedies, as well as a variety of children law matters for married and unmarried parents. Advises foreign nationals on complex post-separation issues, as well as UK-based parties with cross-border asset portfolios. Houses significant strength in nuptial agreements covering multiple jurisdictions. Particular experience in cases with trust-related issues, and acts on behalf of trustees.

A great quote for Jo: "She's a well-known, reputable practitioner who can do everything!"

Forsters’ Family team is also ranked in Band Two in the Chambers HNW Guide 2022. Jo Is also ranked in Family/Matrimonial: Mainly ADR - London (Firms) table.

Construction: Contentious and Non-contentious - Band 5

Ranked Lawyers: Sarah Cook, Andrew Parker, Emily Holdstock (newly ranked, ‘Up and Coming’) and Richard Spring (newly ranked, ‘Associates to Watch’)

Chambers notes: Well-respected firm with a strong reputation for purchaser-side representation in both a contentious and non-contentious capacity. Receives regular instructions to advise clients on large-scale domestic residential and commercial developments. Able to assist with construction-related disputes, with experience in representing clients in the Technology and Construction Court, as well as arbitrations and adjudications.

"They are very commercial, incredibly responsive and cut through all of the unnecessary jargon", an impressed client reveals.

The following Partners and Counsel are also Ranked Lawyers in the 2022 Guide:

Victoria du Croz – Planning "Victoria du Croz is extremely competent in the field, providing clear, succinct advice that aims at solving issues in a proactive way."

Anne O'Neill – Social Housing

Sara Branch – Social Housing

Dearbhla Quigley – Capital Markets: AIM "She provides top-draw advice and guidance and has good technical abilities."

Neasa Coen – Charities "She really adds value for us because she understands where we might see problems and presents us with options to get over our difficulties."

Our Insights

"Extremely hands on, with a high level of partner input."
The Legal 500, 2020
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