Award-winning law firm VWV has been recognised by leading directory The Legal 500 as a leader in the South West, with rankings across 25 practice areas.

Following months of independent research and client interviews, The Legal 500 ranks firms across the UK according to their quality and expertise. Highlights for the Bristol-based firm include:

• Two teams - Property Litigation and Personal Injury - increasing their standing to Tier 1, the highest distinction, and bringing the firm's total number of top ranked practice areas to five.

• The Corporate & Commercial, Property Litigation, Personal Injury - Claimant, and Licensing teams increasing their rankings.

• Six partners retaining their ranking as 'Leading Individuals', an accolade which acknowledges the top level practitioners in the field.

The movement of Property Litigation into the Tier 1 is a notable highlight for the Bristol office. Partner Michelle Bendall, who leads the team was described in the guide as

"a force to be reckoned with and someone you want in your corner". Another new entrant into the top tier, VWV's Personal Injury team is referred to as "impressive, skilled, empathetic and transparent."

VWV's Charity and Education teams have maintained their top tier position for another year, with partners Barney Northover and Con Alexander once again recognised as leading practitioners in their field. Managing Partner Simon Heald commented:

"I'm incredibly proud that our dedication to achieve excellent service provision and client focus have been recognised. Our commitment to providing the best legal services has been demonstrated in the improvement of our rankings in the South West. I extend my congratulations to all the teams involved."