Partner Article

Gardner Leader law firm is a match for the Magic Circle

Gardner Leader , one of the largest law firms in Berkshire, is celebrating after being recommended for its services, in eight areas of law, with Chris Felton, partner in the dispute resolution team, described as ‘a match for any Magic Circle litigator.’

The recommendations were made in this year’s edition of the highly respected legal directory, The Legal 500, which was released on 1 October, the same day Gardner Leader acquired Maidenhead firm Health Buckeridge. The directory provides comprehensive coverage on the most recommended law firms worldwide.

As well as being compared to litigators in the country’s top five law firms, Chris Felton was recognised by The Legal 500 for attracting high praise from clients who described him as ‘a delight to work with.’

Fellow partner in the dispute resolution team and specialist in health and safety law, Michelle Di Gioia, and Tara McInnes, associate and expert in contested probate, were also commended for their work. Michelle for advising two property investors regarding a fatality on a property development site and Tara, described as ‘intelligent, articulate and professional’ for her success in acting for the Trustees in the High Court claim of Brooke v Purton & ORS 2014.

This case was the first case to consider the ruling of Marley v Rawlings in relation to the rectification of Wills and involved complicated issues over the construction and interpretation of a Trust in a Will for an estate worth over ₤7 million.

The corporate and commercial team headed up by Greg Humphreys and including managing partner, Derek Rodgers, was also credited for its work on two substantial merger and acquisition deals and negotiating a range of commercial contracts.

The family division, clinical negligence, Charities and not-for-profit, personal tax, trusts and probate were also among the teams within Gardner Leader recommended for their services.

“Gardner Leader has been recommended by The Legal 500 a number of years in a row and we’re particularly delighted this year by how many of our services have been commended with such great comments about the team,” said Derek Rodgers, managing partner of Gardner Leader. “It’s a reflection of the team’s expertise in their specific areas of law and their hard work and success.

“Plus, for a local law firm of 13 partners to be compared to the top five law firms in the country shows we are able to offer high levels of service and capability that people might normally associate with larger firms,” added Derek.

“It’s been a great 12 months for the firm, with two recent acquisitions, an expansion into Maidenhead and being shortlisted for Law Firm of the Year in the national Halsbury Legal Awards 2014,” continued Derek. “ Being recommended by The Legal 500 is a fantastic addition to what we as a firm have achieved this year and we look forward to what 2015 may bring.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Verity Blake .