"The high rankings are testament to the hard work all these colleagues put into their work and I am very proud of them and their achievements."
Managing Director, Neil Lloyd
FBC Manby Bowdler’s legal experts have been recognised in the official rankings of the UK’s top lawyers and law firms.
The firm’s agricultural and rural affairs, family and matrimonial, clinical negligence and litigation teams were all recognised in the annual Chamber & Partners 2022 rankings with three out of four given a Band 1 appraisal – the best banding a firm can score.
FBC Manby Bowdler’s agricultural team, based in Shrewsbury, was described as a “well-regarded team” adept at dealing with a broad range of issues from the sale and purchase of land to mineral and sporting issues.
Sarah Baugh, who leads the agricultural and rural services team, was given an individual ranking of Band 1, while partner Tom Devey was also rated in the research for his expertise in agriculture and rural land transactions, partnership agreements and development matters.
Also based in FBC Manby Bowdler’s Shrewsbury office is the top ranked family team. Client feedback said the team was “very professional and lives up to its very good reputation” as well as "knowledgeable, efficient and responsive".
The family team, which advises on financial disputes in the context of divorce and family breakdown and child-related issues, is led by Anne Thomson, who was individually ranked in Band 1. Her clients said she was “first-class”, had “broad knowledge” and demonstrated exceptional ability and empathy.
Partner Philip Cowell was also ranked for his work in the family team and the Chambers & Partners research shared glowing client feedback: "I could not speak more highly of Philip… his work is excellent and clients love him."
The Wolverhampton based litigation team, which provides representation to corporate clients in the real estate, agriculture, renewables and manufacturing sectors among others, was also ranked in the guide for another consecutive year.
Partner Guy Birkett was noted for being sought out by clients for his experience in contractual disputes and fraud claims while Charlotte Clode was named as an ‘Up and Coming’ talent.
FBC Manby Bowdler’s clinical negligence team, also based in Wolverhampton, was given a Band 1 ranking along with partner Tim Gray, who leads the team through a wide range of clinical negligence matters.
It is the first time the clinical negligence team has featured in the rankings and managing director Neil Lloyd said he was delighted with that achievement as well as those of the other teams.
Neil said: “To be featured in the Chamber & Partners rankings, our teams need to prove their mettle – showing their technical legal ability, professional conduct, commitment to client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and many other qualities that are valued by our clients.
“I’m delighted that so many of our teams and individuals have shone in the 2022 rankings and that we are breaking new ground with our clinical negligence offer. The high rankings are testament to the hard work all these colleagues put into their work and I am very proud of them and their achievements.”
