Banking Litigation: Investment and Retail

Stewarts Law LLP is noted for its experience representing clients embroiled in investment disputes against banks and financial institutions, and rises a tier in the ranking this year. Clive Zietman 'moves cases forward by sheer force of personality'; Sean Upson is 'highly intelligent, a real details man'; and the 'unruffleable' Jane Colston is a 'very experienced and competent litigator'. Keith Thomas is also recommended. The firm recently acted in the €500m claim involving Deutsche Bank credit default swaps; and the €200m Euroption case, involving options trading.

Clinical Negligence: Claimant (London)

Stewarts Law LLP is recognised nationally for its expertise in high-value spinal injury cases, and it has strong relationships with spinal units across the UK. The service is client focused, and caseloads are kept low. The team is led by the well-regarded Muiris Lyons. Nick Knowles is a 'leader in the field', and exudes 'quiet confidence'. Robert Dransfield is also highly recommended. Rising stars include solicitors Amy Heath; Antonia Jones; and Hugh Johnson, who achieved an excellent result in 2011 on behalf of a mentally ill claimant.

Clinical Negligence: Claimant (Leeds)

Stewarts Law LLP specialises in complex catastrophic injury claims (including brain and spinal injury cases) in excess of £1m. The 'fantastic' Frank Pinch heads a team of 'incredibly strong communicators' who are 'quick and professional', and 'put clients and their families first'.

Commercial Litigation/Fraud: Civil (London)

Litigation-only firm Stewarts Law LLP has 'absolutely first-class lawyers', and is conflict free. The team advised in a £1.5bn dispute involving allegations of fraud. Department head Clive Zietman 'moves cases forward by sheer force of personality'; Sean Upson is 'always on top of the detail' and is 'highly intelligent'; Jane Colston 'works tirelessly for her clients'. The team is experienced in obtaining emergency injunctive relief remedies.

Commercial Litigation (Leeds)

Stewarts Law LLP's star has been on the rise under the leadership of 'top litigator' Jonathan Sinclair. It has been representing Guardian Industries in a dispute over an electricity supply worth approximately £3m. It is also acting for Closegate in a £57m claim against Barclays relating to the financing of a hotel in Durham. The 'strong team' is commended for its 'clarity of advice'.

Employment

The 'tactically brilliant' Stewarts Law LLP is turning heads with its senior executives work, where it is 'one of, if not the, best claimant firm in London'. It also has an expanding employer practice, acting for First Utility and London Capital Group. Gareth Brahams is a 'fierce negotiator' and 'able to sniff out the weakness on the other side', and Tim Spillane is 'tenacious and tough'. They were joined by the 'fantastic' Arpita Dutt from Russell Jones & Walker, part of Slater & Gordon Lawyers.

Family (London)

'Knowledgeable, efficient and sympathetic', Stewarts Law LLP has palpable momentum in the market. Stephen Foster is a 'strong' team leader; partner Debbie Chism is 'calm and thorough'; and Emma Hatley also has a superb reputation. The team is currently advising a member of a royal family in multi-jurisdictional proceedings involving potential freezing injunctions. Helen Ward is set to join in October 2012 from Manches LLP.

Family (Leeds)

The 'outstanding' team at Stewarts Law LLP acts for entrepreneurs and other wealthy individuals in financial disputes. Practice head Simon Preston is 'a force to be reckoned with', and associate Angela Green is 'helpful', with a 'professional yet understanding' approach.

Personal Injury: Claimant (London)

A 'top-class firm, pre-eminent in its field', Stewarts Law LLP has an outstanding reputation for high-value spinal injury work, regularly achieving record-breaking interim and final payments on behalf of its clients. Paul Paxton leads the team; a 'brilliant' lawyer who 'leaves no stone unturned', he is both 'considerate and pragmatic'. Paxton is 'fortunate to have some of the UK's best personal injury lawyers in his team', with Clare Salmon, John Cahill, Stuart Dench, Andrew Dinsmore and Lucy Robinson all recommended, and widely respected as 'strong but flexible opponents'. James Healy-Pratt is noted for his extensive expertise in aviation accidents and catastrophes.

Personal Injury: Claimant (Leeds)

Stewarts Law LLP's 'exceptional' lawyers are 'motivated', and have 'good judgement' and 'genuine empathy'. Brain injury specialist Ben Townsend is praised for his 'all-round knowledge', and Daniel Herman has an 'excellent understanding of high-value compensation'. The group has extensive experience in spinal injury claims.

Transport: Aviation (London)

For aviation-related claimant personal injury matters, the team at Stewarts Law LLP is led by James Healy-Pratt who is considered a leader in his field.