As well as retaining its top tier ranking, the Real Estate team - one of the largest and most accomplished in the Midlands - is recognised as the only tier one firm for commercial property work elsewhere in the West Midlands outside of Birmingham. Legal 500 highly rates the team for its ‘broad range of expertise’ acting for ‘landowners, land promoters and independent housebuilders on the full spectrum of land development matters’ as well as advising on the ‘acquisition, management, and disposal of a range of assets’ on the business property side.
The Guide also gives special recognition to several of Lodders’ partners, including Mark Lewis (head, Charity Law), who is named as a ‘Leading Individual’, and Beverley Morris (head, Family Law) and Mark Miller (head, Real Estate Group) who are both recognised in the ‘Hall of Fame.’ The Legal 500 Hall of Fame highlights individuals who have received constant praise from their clients for continued excellence and are at ‘the pinnacle of the profession.’
Victoria Longmore (Real Estate) is recognised as a ‘Next Generation Partner’ and Dan MacLeod - senior associate in the Real Estate Group - and Jennifer Russell - associate in the Private Client team - as ‘Rising Stars.’
Lodders’ Construction and Engineering team has entered the rankings for the first time this year, with Heidi Brennan (head, Construction team) also being recognised as a ‘Next Generation Partner.’
Also ranked again this year are the Charities team (Tier 2), Commercial Litigation (Tier 3), and Corporate and Commercial (Tier 3).
Lodders’ Private Client team, headed up by the ‘technically very able’ Louise Igoe, is described by Legal 500 as having an ‘excellent reputation for its work on a myriad of complex estate and tax planning matters’ with core areas of expertise including ‘advising on the eligibility for agricultural and business property relief in addition to dealing with all aspects of the management of trusts.’
Led by James Spreckley, the Agriculture team is praised for being ‘hardworking and efficient’, advising on a ‘wide variety of agricultural matters from farm sales and purchases, biodiversity net gain, and off-setting matters to tenancies, succession issues and share farming.’ Also recognised are John Rouse and Nicola Beach.
The Legal 500 commends Beverley Morris, head of Lodders’ Family team, stating that she ‘leads the team in an outstanding manner’ and that ‘her commitment to clients is second to none.’ Her expertise in financial remedy work is highlighted, as well as partner Vivienne Middleton’s skills in resolving complex financial and children cases. Collaborative lawyer Justin Creed is recognised for advising clients on ‘a broad mix of matrimonial matters’, whilst Legal Director Caroline Dresden is praised for her pensions advice on divorce.
Paul Mourton, Lodders’ managing partner, says: “Once again, the Legal 500 gives Lodders the highest of rankings and recognition across the board. We are delighted to have retained our top tier ranking in the 2024 edition for our Private Client, Agricultural, Family, and Real Estate teams, and to see so many of our leading lawyers recognised for their expertise, particularly Mark Miller and Beverley Morris who are acknowledged in the Hall of Fame.
“Lodders is known for its ambition, dynamic culture, and drive. The Legal 500 rankings reinforce our strategic focus on maintaining a consistent flight to quality and excellence, as our expert teams continue to deliver exceptional legal advice along with quality, partner-led client service.”
Mark Miller, head of Lodders’ Real Estate team, adds: “We are delighted to retain our Tier 1 ranking in Real Estate and for a number of our team to be recognised in Hall of Fame, Next Generation Partner, and Rising Star categories. This reflects our reputation in the market and the strength and breadth of our service offering. It was also rewarding to see the comments made by our clients and referees on the excellent service that we provide.”
The Legal 500 analyses the capabilities of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research programme that brings vision of the global legal market and assesses the strengths of law firms in over 150 jurisdictions. The rankings are based on a series of criteria, and the Legal 500 highlights the practice area teams providing the most cutting-edge and innovative advice. All rankings and listings in the 2024 UK edition are available here.
Lodders is a premier law firm in Stratford upon Avon, Cheltenham, Henley in Arden, and Birmingham. Founded 235 years ago, the firm offers expert legal advice across a range of legal services including private client, business law, real estate and family law.
For more information, visit: www.lodders.co.uk
