Clinical Negligence: Mainly Claimant (London)

This very well-regarded three-partner clinical negligence team focuses on high-end cases, and impresses particularly with its work on complex spinal injury cases. Clients appreciate that the team "communicates everything very well at every stage." Kevin Grealis has a wide-ranging clinical negligence practice and is "committed and conscientious." Robert Dransfield also has a broad practice, with particular expertise in complex brain and spinal cases. Nick Knowles continues to be involved in market-leading clinical negligence disputes and has handled multimillion-pound cases in the last twelve months. Team head Muiris Lyons specialises in catastrophic claims and is an "inspiring leader and a meticulous lawyer." Hugh Johnson is an associate with extensive experience of dealing with high-value spinal injury cases.

Clinical Negligence: Mainly Claimant (Leeds)

This Leeds-based practice benefits from its close working relationship with the firm's London office and is distinguished by focusing exclusively on high-value, catastrophic injury claims. The group has had an excellent year, winning a number of seven-figure claims, including several complex brain and spinal cord injury cases. Frank Pinch wins much acclaim from members of the Bar, particularly for his expertise in high-quantum matters, with sources saying: "He is methodical and hard-working and has excellent intuition." He also draws praise for having "that rare ability to really make a difference in a case."

Client Service: "The lawyers are excellent communicators and were really great at holding my hand and reassuring me at every stage throughout the negotiations."

Dispute Resolution: Highly Regarded

This impressive litigation boutique enjoys a largely conflict-free practice, and so regularly acts against banks and other financial institutions in financial litigation. Its commercial dispute resolution expertise further extends to fraud, professional negligence and corporate and partnership disputes. Source say Clive Zietman is "a great lawyer" who "loves the fight and has strong tactical nous." He heads the commercial department and has a particular emphasis on banking and fraud work.

Client Service: "One of their key strengths is the personal attention and dedication they give to work. It's not like they get the business and then there is no one to talk to."

Employment: Senior Executive

This relative newcomer, which was only drawn together by Stewarts Law in mid-2010, is said to be already "punching above its weight." Led by two partners, the team acts for claimants, particularly executives working in the financial sector. It recently acted for a senior banker claiming age and nationality discrimination against CIBC. Sources indicate that the practice is "proactive and very good at turning things around." Gareth Brahams specialises in employment litigation and is felt to have a strong reputation in acting for senior executives. Clients say that his "judgement is very much on the money" and he is valued for his "creative, tactical" approach.

Family (London)

This team's reputation continues to grow following lateral hires and a number of impressive cases. It is the firm of choice for countless wealthy City professionals and entertainment and sport industry clients looking for advice and representation in complex divorce proceedings. Clients report: "They provided first-class advice delivered in a very practical fashion." Debbie Chism is highly regarded in the divorce law field. The cases she handles often involve multimillion-pound assets and complex international dynamics. "She doesn't fight for fighting's sake, but wants to settle cases in the best terms possible," say sources. Department head Stephen Foster handles complex high-value divorce cases, often involving significant assets and trusts based abroad. Sources say: "He has an ability to think outside the box. He works hard to get the very best results for his clients." Emma Hatley "is extremely thorough and diligent and provides fantastic client care." She has recently acted for well-known sports and entertainment personalities in matters relating to prenuptial agreements and ancillary relief. Richard Hogwood recently joined the team from Speechly Bircham. He deals with complex divorce cases and is skilled in the handling of tax and trust issues. Matthew Humphries recently joined the group from TLT in Bristol. He handles complex financial issues, and is noted for his expertise in matters relating to cohabitation.

Client Service: "They don't just charge and charge and charge, but really make an effort to add value."

Family (Leeds)

This outfit has gained in stature over the past year and observers commend its "solid and constructive offering." The team regularly advises on high net worth financial settlements and divorce litigation. As well as traditional advice, the team offers collaborative law expertise. Simon Preston is "an accomplished performer - constructive and sensible." His practice focuses on high value financial provision, frequently involving complex business assets and international interests. Rising star Adrian Clossick wins praise for his ability to "convey complex or technical issues to clients in a clear and concise way." He is experienced at dealing with cohabitation claims and finance cases. Sources admire his "unflappable demeanour."

Personal Injury: Mainly Claimant (London)

Recently boosted by four lateral hires, this team commands respect for its handling of complex and high-value personal injury cases. Market commentators underline the reputation of the "very talented" Julian Chamberlayne. In one recent fatality case, he acted for the family of a law firm partner killed in a motorcycle accident. Experienced practitioner Stuart Dench maintains an active practice encompassing catastrophic brain and spinal injuries. The "enormously talented, sensible and amiable" Paul Paxton is highly rated by sources for his sensible approach to negotiations. Managing partner John Cahill merits his status as a leading practitioner, recognised for his role developing the firm and his involvement in catastrophic claims abroad. The well-known Andrew Dinsmore has considerable expertise in the field of spinal injuries, while rising star Clare Salmon impresses sources with her handling of brain injury cases. She recently recorded a multimillion-pound verdict for a teenager injured in an RTA. The understated and highly intelligent Charles Edwards is renowned for his high-value caseload.

Client Service: "They know what they are doing, are always proactive and have the resources to match the demand."

Personal Injury: Mainly Claimant (Leeds)

Stewarts' Leeds office epitomises the firm's national standing, with an impressive breadth and depth of catastrophic injury expertise in Yorkshire. The team is often a first port of call for the highest-value and most complex brain and spinal injury cases. Clients point out: "They demonstrate a highly pragmatic approach to their cases and appreciate the concerns and priorities of different clients." Daniel Herman heads the Leeds team and is considered a "tough opponent." He regularly handles spinal injury cases arising out of RTAs. He develops "an extraordinary relationship with his clients," commentators point out. Ben Townsend impresses in brain injury and spinal cord cases. He regularly deals with multimillion-pound claims arising out of road traffic and equestrian accidents. Peter Stringer enters the tables as an impressive associate involved in a raft of multimillion-pound serious injury cases. He recently won a £1.4 million settlement for a claimant left tetraplegic after a barn roof collapsed on him.

Transport: International Personal Injury

This niche travel law firm comes highly recommended as an "excellent claimant group." The team has handled various complex and high-value claims, as well as group actions relating to accidents abroad that resulted in catastrophic injury or were other serious incidents. The practice recently represented a client who is paraplegic after a snowmobile accident in Italy. Julian Chamberlayne heads the travel team and has a very good reputation for travel litigation know-how, with peers describing him as "excellent and very able." James Healy-Pratt heads the aviation department and handles aviation disaster claims across the globe. He is currently acting for approximately 30 families of victims in a damages claim following the crash of the Air France AF447 flight in the Atlantic Ocean.