Legal 500 leading firm 2022

News

Girlings is delighted to rank as a Leading Firm in the Legal 500 2022 for three of our practice areas. Legal 500 is the largest independent survey of the UK legal market and is recognised as the authoritative guide to law firms in the UK. An annual publication, achieving rankings in the directory is increasingly competitive and based on research which includes client feedback as well as detailed submissions from law firms.

Wills, Tax & Estates team

Our Wills, Tax & Estates team is ranked in the Legal 500 for the fourth year running and the Legal 500 editorial had this to say including the independently sourced client quotation below.

Girlings offers a wide range of private client services from offices in Canterbury, Herne Bay and Ashford, led by Lesley Rushton, Charlotte Nock and Louise Wilson respectively. Rushton has particular expertise in wills, trusts and probate and acts as a deputy to a growing number of clients, while Nock handles cross-border matters with her fluency in French.

‘The individuals working with my client are some of the most available and involved deputies that I have worked with in my field. They care greatly for my client and ensure that the finances are holistically viewed as part of client wellness. They keep my client at the heart of decision making and include him and his views in decisions whenever possible, while protecting his finances and financial privacy.’

Lesley Rushton, Charlotte Nock and Louise Wilson are also mentioned as Legal 500 Recommended Lawyers.

Corporate, Banking & Finance and Commercial Law team

Our Corporate, Banking & Finance and Commercial Law team have also achieved ranking in the directory for a second year. The Legal 500 editorial had this to say about our Corporate & Commercial team, including the independently sourced client quotation below.

Chris Brightling leads the Ashford-based corporate and commercial team at Girlings. Whilst offering a full range of corporate and commercial services, the team specialises in advising owner-managed businesses on acquisitions and disposals. Consultant solicitor Caroline Armitage has particular expertise of advising charities.

‘Across the whole business all associates with the business provided valid and professional knowledge of the M&A process ensuring we felt protected at all times. Uncertainties were quickly dealt with giving us confidence in the whole sale process.’

Chris Brightling and Caroline Armitage are also mentioned as a Legal 500 Recommended Lawyers.

Family Law

Our Family Law team have achieved ranking in the Legal 500 for the first time this year, a recognition of Head of Department, Sarah Finnis’ commitment to providing her clients with specialist quality legal advice. The Legal 500 editorial had this to say about our Family Law team, including the independently sourced client quotation below.

Girlings has offices in Ashford, Canterbury and Herne Bay and each has a family law offering. The team handles a wide range of work, including divorces and matrimonial matters, children law, trusts, inherited assets and family enterprises. Sarah Finnis heads the family department at Herne Bay with specialisms in financial remedy and children law. Senior associate Gemma Purt has expertise in advising on matters involving the Mental Health Act 1983.

‘The family law team not only covers all possible aspects of this area of specialisation, it does so with a team of individuals who each bring a unique perspective that will find the perfect match for any client along with a friendliness and willingness to co-operate between each of them and with other professionals that most other firms can only aspire to.’

Sarah Finnis, Amanda Wilson and Gemma Purt are also mentioned as legal 500 Recommended Lawyers.

Girlings Personal Injury Claims

Our sister company Girlings Personal Injury Claims are also ranked for the third year running. The Legal 500 editorial had this to say about the Personal Injury Claims team, including the independently sourced client quotation below.

The Canterbury-based team at Girlings is split into two different departments, with the personal injury team being led by Jonathan Pidduck and the clinical negligence group headed up by Claire Milne. On the clinical negligence side, the firm distinguishes itself in the Kent market for its excellent record of success in large catastrophic claims. Areas of expertise include brain injury cases, misdiagnosis claims and mental health matters involving suicide attempts or fatalities. Personal injury work covers issues such as workplace accidents, road traffic accidents and occupiers' liability, among other areas. Shantala Carr made partner in 2020.

‘In my view, this firm is unique in that it has a relatively small team of but manages an impressive case load of often complex and high value work. There seems to be an excellent team spirit. They are motivated and genuinely committed to their work.’

Clare Milne, Jonathan Pidduck, Sue Man, Brian Cowell, Michelle Meakin, Shantala Carr and Kate Kennell are also mentioned as Legal 500 Recommended Lawyers

Girlings Personal Injury Claims

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