The Legal 500 UK 2026 rankings are out – and we’ve done pretty well.
We’re not here to brag (not our style), but we do want to take a moment to say thank you. To our clients, for trusting us and sharing honest feedback. And to our brilliant teams – client-facing and behind-the-scenes – who make this recognition possible.
Consistent, joined-up, and client-focused
We’ve held onto our top-tier rankings in Employment, Dispute Resolution and Corporate & Commercial, with strong showings across Real Estate, Intellectual Property and Private Wealth. That kind of consistency matters. It shows we’re not just good in pockets – we’re joined-up, collaborative, and focused on delivering practical advice across the board.
As our CEO Robert Dillarstone puts it:
“Clients want advice that’s practical and commercially grounded. These rankings show our approach is working – and that our teams are delivering consistently.”
From tech to transactions: our IP and Corporate teams
Our IP team, led by Jim Boff, is becoming a go-to for Cambridge’s innovators and tech-driven businesses. And our Corporate & Commercial team continues to support some of the region’s most exciting deals – with Stephen Jarvis, Claire Banks and Francesca Jus-Burke right at the heart of it.
And in London, it’s no different. Philippa Sturt and Tim Jenkins are working with brilliant clients doing amazing things – from strategic transactions to complex commercial matters. Whether it’s Cambridge or the capital, our Corporate & Commercial lawyers are known for being sharp, responsive and easy to work with.
Employment: still setting the standard
Our Employment team remains top-tier – and rightly so. John Macaulay, Keith Williams and Joanna Scally are individually recognised, with rising stars Natalie Williams and Siobhan Thomson also highlighted. The team’s known for clear, strategic advice that helps clients navigate complex workforce issues with confidence.
Dispute Resolution: when it matters most
When the stakes are high, our Disputes team delivers. Led by Huw Wallis, with East Anglian-based partners Adele Whaley and Jamie McConnell (all individually recognised), and ‘leading associate’ Sam Baxter, the team is trusted for its clarity, strategy and results.
We’re also ranked in the London Mid-Market Commercial Litigation category — a space dominated by heavyweight litigation firms — and we’re holding our own. Special mentions go to Euan Palmer, Sara Roden, and Eleni Nicolaou, whose work continues to raise the bar and expand our reach in high-stakes commercial disputes and arbitration.
Real Estate: always easy to talk to
And whatever the Legal 500 might or might not say this year, our Real Estate lawyers are still exactly what clients tell us they value: easy to talk to, commercially minded, and focused on getting deals done. Whether it’s high-value transactions, landlord and tenant matters, or development work, the team brings clarity, pace and a practical approach that clients trust.
Residential Property: stepping up
Last year, our Residential Property team was named a “Firm to Watch”. This year, we’ve stepped up to Tier 4 – a big deal, given the guide only ranks teams with a London presence. Will Thomas and the team have built a reputation for handling high-value transactions with speed, clarity and proactive communication.
“Property deals are time-sensitive and often high-stakes,” says Rob Dillarstone. “Our team’s ability to keep things moving and keep clients informed is what sets them apart.”
Private Wealth: ranked for clarity and care
Our Private Wealth team is known for clarity, empathy and solutions that fit – and this year’s rankings reflect that. We’ve secured a Tier 5 ranking in London, which is a real achievement given the guide’s high bar and the competitiveness of the market. At the same time, we’ve maintained our Tier 2 ranking in Cambridge, confirming our reputation for bespoke, client-focused advice across the region.
Whether it’s helping families with legacy planning or supporting business owners with succession, our team brings expertise and understanding – and we’re proud to see that recognised.
What clients are saying
The rankings are based on independent research and client feedback – and what we’re hearing matches what came through in our own listening programme earlier this year.
“What we pay for isn’t a recital of the law – we can Google that. What we get is judgement, options and a clear recommendation.”
“When we need urgent advice, we don’t feel like we’re in a queue. Greenwoods is quick and pragmatic.”
That’s what matters. Legal issues don’t exist in isolation – they’re tied to commercial realities. Clients want advisers who get the bigger picture and deliver answers quickly.
Looking ahead
We’ll keep doing what works: listening, adapting, and delivering. And we’ll keep focusing on the things clients tell us they value most:
Thank you
To our clients: thank you for taking the time to share feedback with The Legal 500 researchers. It means such a lot. To our teams: thank you for showing up, delivering, and caring. This recognition is yours.
This update is for general purposes and guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. You should seek legal advice before relying on its content. Greenwoods Legal Services Limited is a Limited company, registered in England, registered number 16115882. Our registered office is Queens House, 55-56 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3LJ. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, SRA number 8011813. Details of the Solicitors’ Codes of Conduct can be found at www.sra.org.uk. All instructions accepted by Greenwoods Legal Services Limited are subject to our current Terms of Business.