Banking Litigation: Investment and Retail

Stewarts Law LLP merged with four-partner banking litigation boutique Masseys in 2010, adding to the strength and depth of the team. The practice is focused on acting against the banks, advising on the full range of complex contentious issues arising out of the banking crisis. 'Real go-getter' Clive Zietman is 'measured, realistic and tactical, and a very safe pair of hands'. Andrew Shaw and Keith Thomas are also very highly regarded.

Clinical Negligence: Claimant (London)

Stewarts Law LLP's 'simply excellent' clinical negligence team is a 'strong outfit' with 'some excellent individuals' who are 'innovative, dedicated and successful'. The firm focuses exclusively on catastrophic cases. Practice head Muiris Lyons is 'conscientious and incisive', and shows 'good judgement'. Robert Dransfield and Nick Knowles are also recommended.

Clinical Negligence: Claimant (Leeds)

Stewarts Law LLP works on complex, high-value cases, with a particular focus on catastrophic injuries. The 'dedicated and knowledgeable' Frank Pinch heads the team in Leeds.

Commercial Litigation (London)

Stewarts Law LLP acts against major UK banks, but also acts in commercial disputes, fraud, professional negligence, property, insolvency and international trade matters. It is appreciated for its 'deep knowledge and expertise'. Clive Zietman heads the department; Sean Upson is 'tremendously clever'; and Jane Colston is also highly recommended. Andrew Shaw is also a key contact. The firm recently acquired litigation law practice Masseys LLP.

Commercial Litigation (Leeds)

Stewarts Law LLP is increasing its capabilities in this area, and was boosted by the arrival in late 2009 of Jonathan Sinclair from Eversheds LLP. Sinclair is 'very intelligent, analytical and clear thinking'.

Employment

Stewarts Law LLP's new employment team is led by 'first-class lawyer' and former Lewis Silkin LLP partner Gareth Brahams, and provides a 'genuinely bespoke, intelligent and effective service' for claimants and employers. It includes the 'excellent' Tim Spillane, formerly of Simmons & Simmons.

Family (London)

Stewarts Law LLP continues to gain ground with instructions on a slew of complex, high-value cases. Stephen Foster heads an 'exceptionally strong' four-partner team which includes big hitters Emma Hatley ('very pleasant with endless time for her clients') and the 'knowledgeable and proficient' Debbie Chism. The team was boosted by the arrival of 'star in the making' Richard Hogwood from Speechly Bircham LLP.

Family (Leeds)

Stewarts Law LLP's team is 'efficient and professional', and acts for numerous high-net-worth individuals in matters including complex jurisdictional disputes. Simon Preston, who heads the group, is 'professional, with a wealth of experience'.

Personal Injury: Claimant (London)

Stewarts Law LLP receives exceptional feedback for its handling of cases, and is well known for its niche in high-value claims and for 'attracting the best-quality work'. Clients feel that their concerns and views are considered. Practice head Paul Paxton is 'exceptional in every respect', 'professional and compassionate'; Julian Chamberlayne is 'technically one of the best personal injury lawyers in the country'; Clare Salmon has an 'impressively detailed and thorough approach'; Charles Edwards 'has amazing knowledge'; and Kevin Grealis is 'friendly, helpful, and always listening and advising well'. Stuart Dench, John Cahill, Andrew Dinsmore and Ben Rogers are also recommended.

Personal Injury: Claimant (Leeds)

Stewarts Law LLP is 'outstanding in personal injury litigation', and has recently been instructed in a significant number of spinal cord and brain injury cases. The 'resolute, committed and extremely able' Daniel Herman, who leads the team, acted in a high-profile personal injury case in 2010, in which the award was the highest ever reported, at £11.15m.

Transport: Aviation (London)

Stewarts Law LLP has sterling track record in handling personal injury cases for claimants in the aviation field. For details on these practices, readers are referred to the Personal injury: claimant section.