Partner John Devoy, from Aaron & Partners LLP has been given prestigious ‘leading individual’ status by The Legal 500

Across the firm’s UK offices, a total of 17 practice areas were ranked, with 32 lawyers securing listings in 49 different categories

Leading legal firm Aaron & Partners is celebrating another year of impressive rankings in The Legal 500 – a comprehensive guide to the top professionals working in the UK’s legal market.

A total of 32 lawyers across the firm’s Chester and Shrewsbury offices have been recognised in this year’s independent guide, including four new entries, reinforcing Aaron & Partners’ position as one of the top legal practices.

They include John Devoy, a Dispute Resolution Partner in the firm’s Dispute Resolution team, who has been awarded the prestigious ‘leading individual’ status by the guide.

He joins Aaron & Partners’ Corporate and Commercial Partner, Stuart Scott-Goldstone and David Harries who heads up the firm’s Planning, Energy, Environmental and Regulatory team, on the list, as both retained their places after being included in 2018.

Corporate & Commercial Partner Jamie Hawley was also listed as a leading ‘Next Generation Partner’, joining Dispute Resolution Partner David Mann who received the prestigious ranking in last year’s guide.

Seventeen practice areas from Aaron & Partners feature in this year’s guide with the Corporate and Commercial, Dispute Resolution, and Agriculture and Estates teams all maintaining top tier status.

Partner Keith McKinney was mentioned on the Rising Stars List and has been noted as being ‘experienced in energy work and environmental crime’, alongside Senior Associates Simon Mawdsley and Lisa Moncur.

Nick Clarke, Senior Partner, said:

“As one of the most renowned directories in the UK legal industry, it’s incredibly gratifying to have so many members of the firm recognised in this year’s Legal 500.

“To see so many individuals maintaining their rankings, as well as several new recommendations and the listings in practice and sector areas improving year-on-year, is something we’re really proud of.

“It’s a testament to the quality of our team to see us ranked alongside much larger Manchester and Liverpool firms.

“Our focus has always been on achieving our clients’ objectives and delivering excellent outcomes for them, and the latest Legal 500 listings reflect that ongoing commitment.”

Aaron & Partners’ Corporate and Commercial team were commended for their expertise in commercial and corporate transactions, acquisitions and commercial sales contracts helping them to retain top tier status.

The Dispute Resolution team was described as being “adept at handling disputes” relating to shareholders, partnerships, corporate transactions, contracts restrictive covenants, property and professional negligence. The increasing amount of international work handled by the team was also noted.

Stephen Taylor, a Dispute Resolution Partner, was highlighted on the list for his work within Commercial Litigation, achieving a ranking during his first year working at the firm.

Energy specialist David Harries and his team, Planning, Environment, Energy and Regulatory, has attracted praise for its "deep understanding of environmental work" and its “excellent client relationships”.

The “precise and proactive” Clive Pointon heads up the Wills, Trust and Tax team and was described as “a delight to work with”. And his colleague Lynda Richards, within the same team, came highly recommended.

Partners Helen Watson and Claire Brook from the Employment team were praised for providing “sound advice” and for discussing “issues from all angles”. Whilst Ben Mason retained his spot on the list and was highlighted for his employment contract work with the Professional Footballers’ Association.

The Family team was highlighted as having a “depth of knowledge” and being “very proactive” with Head of Department Richard Barge described as "excellent" and Partner Lorraine Saunders noted as “very reliable” specialising in high-net-worth cases.

Across Aaron & Partners’ Shrewsbury, Chester and Manchester offices, 32 individuals received a total of 49 recommendations.