Personal Injury: Mainly Claimant (London)

This firm has an impressive standing in the sector and boasts particular expertise in spinal injury cases. Sources Say: "innovative in looking for solutions in the most complex and difficult cases." Stuart Dench impresses with his contentious practice. Interviewees describe him as an "exceptionally talented solicitor who has a very balanced overview of claims and adopts a highly effective consensual and sensible approach." Managing partner John Cahill continues to be regarded as one of the key drivers behind the firm's success. Julian Chamberlayne focuses on claims with out-of-jurisdiction elements. He has "an incisive mind and an eye for detail." Andrew Dinsmore has developed a niche in cases involving gymnastic injuries. Charles Edwards is another esteemed personal injury solicitor, with the "ability to communicate effectively and solve problems in a very constructive and conciliatory way." Paul Paxton is held in high regard as "an easy person to work alongside - he's on the ball on the tricky cases." Clare Salmon also enjoys respect in the sector.

Personal Injury: Mainly Claimant (Leeds)

Stewarts operates out of offices in Leeds and London, enjoying a first-class reputation in both locations. It specialises in catastrophic claims, with the vast majority of its cases valued at more than £500,000. Daniel Herman heads the firm's Leeds office and is an "utterly first-class lawyer." Sources particularly highlighted "his exceptional analysis of difficult legal points and his excellent negotiating skills." Leeds-based Ben Townsend is also highly regarded.

Clinical Negligence: Mainly Claimant (London)

Stewarts Law has a formidable profile for catastrophic personal injury matters and its reputation for clinical negligence work is in the ascendant. As is the case with its mainstream personal injury practice, the firm's clinical negligence department specialises in maximum severity claims. Former Alexander Harris and Irwin Mitchell lawyer Muiris Lyons joined the firm in 2008 and has been appointed as the head of the expanding clinical negligence team. His recent workload has included cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury claims. The "affable and engaging" Kevin Grealis provides "a superb service and is thorough when handling claims." His workload includes a number of crossover cases that involve personal injury and negligent treatment claims. Nick Knowles is a "highly experienced practitioner with a clear vision of what he wants - he will go the extra mile for his clients." Robert Dransfield is new to the rankings and is esteemed as "a dedicated and tough solicitor who has got a good sense of strategy and always fights hard for his clients."

Clinical Negligence: Mainly Claimant (Leeds)

Whilst Stewarts Law LLP is perhaps best known for its catastrophic personal injury practice, former Irwin Mitchell solicitor Frank Pinch runs a respected clinical negligence practice out of the firm's Leeds office. Clients admire his "approachability and tact, which are of particular importance in this sensitive area of law."

Family / Matrimonial (London)

This practice rockets up the rankings after a stellar year. The department has expanded considerably, with two significant new hires, and is now attracting wealthy and high-profile clients such as Peter Andre. Former Manches partner Debbie Chism recently joined the group, bringing many loyal clients with her. She handles both finance and children matters, and has "razor-sharp negotiating skills." Emma Hatley arrived recently from Withers and is expected to flourish in her new position. Department head Stephen Foster is the driving force behind the team's growing reputation. His background as a commercial litigator proves a great benefit to clients.

Family / Matrimonial (Leeds)

This firm is building a regional presence, having recruited a number of family lawyers from Gordons. Working closely with the firm's London office, the family team attracts high net worth clients with complex financial issues arising from divorce. Department head Simon Preston has vast experience of dealing with complex assets, including offshore trusts.

Aviation: Insurance & Litigation (Plaintiff)

James Healy-Pratt of Stewarts Law LLP has more than 15 years of experience in aviation insurance and represents the families and victims of fatal aircraft crashes. He has handled two of the most significant claims in the UK in the past year, and market sources highlight his expertise in achieving multimillion-pound settlements across the globe.

Travel (UK-wide)

Clients highlight this prominent claimant firm's track record in catastrophic cases. The 14-lawyer team is praised for its aviation-related work and high-value personal injury claims. Sources Say: "Warm, compassionate and friendly." James Healy-Pratt provides valuable input and "understands the mindset and motives of the defendant lawyer so can reach a solution." "Deceptively quiet and unassuming," Julian Chamberlayne handles high-stakes spinal cord, brain and fatal injury cases, and impresses sources with his "nerve, intelligence and support."