Expanding law firm Blanchards Bailey LLP has had its place among the elite firms in the South West confirmed for the seventh successive year by the Legal 500, the independent guide to legal firms and solicitors in the UK.
The latest edition of the go-to annual publication, The Legal 500 2022, endorses the firm in six different practice areas, with 11 individual lawyers receiving recommendations and mentions.
This shows that award-winning Blanchards Bailey, headquartered in Blandford with offices in Poundbury - Dorchester, Shaftesbury and Weymouth, continues to punch above its weight when compared with the region’s large law firms in Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth.
The Legal 500 is one of the primary directories of law firms in the UK. The guide is independently and impartially revised and updated every year as part of client feedback and a comprehensive research programme.
Blanchards Bailey has been listed in six categories: Agriculture & Estates; Commercial Litigation – Dorset, Devon and Cornwall; Contentious Trusts & Probate; Employment – Dorset, Devon and Cornwall; Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate and Family.
Eleven colleagues – Partners Paul Dunlop, Jerome Dodge, Robin Cole, Laura Martin and Ben Jones, plus Sarah Dunlop, Lucy Mignot, Jane Eldridge, Emma Needham, Catherine Roberts and Julie Keogh were all individually recommended for their work.
Blanchards Bailey Managing Partner Paul Dunlop said: “A huge thank you to our valued clients who took the trouble to participate in the Legal 500 interview process and agreed to be named – a sure sign of their confidence in the firm.
“As a result of their comments to the Legal 500 we have been ranked alongside or above some much larger South West law firms such as Thrings, Trethowans, Royds Withy King, Lester Aldridge, Porter Dodson and Trowers & Hamlins.
“The feedback demonstrates our professionalism, exceptional expertise, clear communication skills and supportive nature. However, we will continue to strive to improve our service and legal offering, listening and learning from client feedback.”
Alan Horne, Blanchards Bailey Partner and former CEO of the firm added: “These honours are testament to the sterling teamwork of colleagues under extremely challenging conditions over the last year – maintaining excellent client service whilst working from home, under lockdown and under the pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are proud to primarily employ local people and serve individual clients and businesses in the Dorset community as well as bringing such legal prowess to those further afield.
“The fact that we are thriving is indicative of many local businesses also serving their communities and surviving these challenging times through a combination of customer service, loyal clients and the sheer will to succeed.”
Blanchards Bailey invested heavily in staff, implemented the latest technological developments and embraced innovative working methods to ensure it was able to prosper by always being there for clients during the pandemic.
The firm is the only law firm in Blandford, Weymouth and Shaftesbury that has been considered as being worthy of inclusion and one of two firms in Dorchester.
The Legal 500 rankings highlight and provide reliable and up-to-date information on law firms who are providing the best advice, dealing with complex matters, giving an excellent service and offering exceptional client care.
Blanchards Bailey’s Agricultural & Estates team is praised for its ‘experience with a variety of agricultural and business matters including partnerships, renewable energy, and commercial contracts’.
The ‘efficient' Commercial Litigation division is noted for its ‘great communication, clear instructions and professionalism’ across the South West.
Regarding Contentious Trusts & Probate, the team ‘has an in-depth knowledge in their field and take time to discuss matters and agree on direction collaboratively with Lucy Mingot ‘approachable and compassionate’.
The Employment team ‘has always responded promptly and pertinently to questions’ with ‘Jane Eldridge ‘professional, up-to-date with all legislation, and a good communicator.’
Praise for the Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate division includes ‘prompt and effective responses and in particular their ability to frame those responses in a way that a lay customer finds easy to assimilate’, with Emma Needham ‘very knowledgeable and helpful’.
Blanchards Bailey’s Family team is particularly regarded for its work regarding the pensions of army and other public service officers, constructing strong relationships with nearby camps, with Laura Martin praised for being ‘just as capable dealing with emotions as with legal procedures’.
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