Once again a range of our services and people have been recognised in the Legal 500 rankings for 2026.
We are delighted to have once again been recognised in the Legal 500 UK 2026 and ranked in the top tier for:
Corporate and commercial: elsewhere in the north west
Commercial property: elsewhere in the north west
Other departments we have ranked for are:
Corporate and commercial: Liverpool
Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the north west
Commercial litigation: Liverpool
Individuals have been recognised in the following categories:
Leading partner
Andrew Holden (rural)
Leading associate
Here is a flavour of the feedback and recognition for our departments.
Corporate and commercial: north west
The team, led by Keith Melling, were ‘lauded for its ability to provide excellent value, a very knowledgeable team’.
Keith was recognised for being someone ‘who handles the full scope of transactional matters’, Richard Robinson who ‘regularly advises on high-profile transactions’ and Jon Esner, who ‘specialises in drafting commercial agreements, with a particular focus on IT procurement’.
The testimonials include one from a ‘fellow corporate lawyer’ who described the team as ‘operating at a level of sophistication that is greater than other law firms in Lancashire. They have bigger, better and more demanding clients, which means that they’re working on larger and more complex transactions, opposite high quality law firm’.
Corporate and commercial: Liverpool
Our Liverpool office is recognised for its ‘strong client focus’ and remains a ‘key port of call for owner-managed businesses, family companies, and large corporates on the full range of corporate transactions, including M&A, buy-and-build strategies, business and share disposals, and succession planning.’
The testimonials focused on the team’s strong client focus, saying ‘The team will react to our needs at the drop of a hat and jump onto the work we need them to do. It’s why we’ve used Kieran and his team for over a decade.’
Commercial property: north west
Jamie Allison was noted for leading the commercial property team and being an ‘excellent solicitor and brilliant networker’ with Paul Hardy ‘well-equipped to handle development and acquisition work’.
In Kendal Yasmin Blamire was noted as ‘fantastic operator’, while Martin Beardsworth, Stephanie Marshall, Matthew Parr and Nicola Ciraolo were also mentioned.
Testimonials included one for Tony Coates, describing him as ‘attentive, responsive and provides balanced advice. I have found Tony easy to get on with and timely’.
Jamie was described as being an ‘excellent solicitor and brilliant networker… with great relationships with clients and professional contacts’, while Yasmin’s ‘quality of work and timely delivery is always first-class. She is excellent at collaborating with solicitors on other side’.
Agriculture and Estates (Rural)
The team, led by Andrew Holden, was praised for ‘its expertise in the sector, advising on sales, purchases, refinancings, and succession planning.’
While Andrew Holden was recognised as a leading partner, the testimonials recognised the work of the team, including Melissa Haigh who ‘provided an extremely thorough, efficient and knowledgeable service to us whilst making changes to our business partnership. Her understanding of the industry as well as her empathy has been outstanding.’
Commercial litigation: north west
The team, led by David Bailey, was noted as it ‘continues to successfully resolve a wide range of commercial and property disputes through litigation and alternative dispute resolution’.
Partner John Whittingslow is described as a ‘extensive experience’, while Andrew Holden is noted for the range of matters he works on and ‘vital support’ he gives to clients.
Testimonials included admiration for Stewart Croft as being ‘a calm, reassuring presence throughout, rapidly grasping the complexities of the case and giving sound, professional legal advice‘.
Commercial litigation: Liverpool
The Liverpool office’s commercial litigation team were noted for being ‘client-focused, with James Stephenson praised for being a ‘highly attentive and an excellent communicator’.
Jennifer Rogers was noted for her ‘standout property litigation capabilities’.
Congratulations to all involved! We’re really proud of you!
Stephen Faulkner | Managing Director
Stephen Faulkner is Napthens' managing director, based in the firm's Preston office.
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