Attwaters Solicitors celebrated in the Legal 500 2026 rankings

We’re proud to announce our excellent results in the 2026 Legal 500 rankings, once again showcasing the strength and dedication of our lawyers and departments. This year’s results highlight both individual and departmental strengths, with praise for the firm’s technical knowledge, innovative problem-solving and client-focused service.

Founded in 1987, The Legal 500 is a leading independent directory that evaluates and ranks law firms and lawyers worldwide. The rankings are based on extensive research, including feedback from clients, in-house counsel and legal peers. Widely regarded as a trusted benchmark in the legal industry, The Legal 500 highlights both top-performing firms and emerging talent across a broad range of practice areas.

Our “strategically astute” Family Law department, headed by Partner Belinda Strange, was ranked Band 3 within Essex, with the team recognised for delivering expert advice in divorce, financial remedy, child protection and cohabitation matters. Partner Stephanie Holmes was noted as being a “standout team member, sought after for all aspects of family law work.” Consultant, Joyti Henchie, was highlighted for being “an exceptional lawyer.”

Also recognised within Band 3 for Essex was our Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate team, with Partner, Lesley-Ann Mayhew ranked as a ‘Leading Partner’, and Partners Andrew Flannagan and Tony Brownlie also given specific mentions. The team is commended for providing bespoke estate and tax planning advice, wills and estate administration and Court of Protection guidance. The Legal 500 notes that the team “always seem to be ahead of their competitors” and “their advice is always bespoke.”

Partner, Salvatore Amico’s expertise was applauded with ‘Leading Partner’ status and a Band 3 ranking within the South East for Environment and Planning. Salvatore “is a key authority on major regional residential and commercial developments.” He assists local authorities, property developers and landowners across planning policy matters, Section 106 Agreements, contentious planning permission issues and planning objections and he was noted for his “clear and professional communication.”

The Attwaters Court of Protection department, led by Lesley-Ann Mayhew, achieved a national Band 3 ranking. The team was noted for its specialist knowledge, reliability and empathetic approach in managing deputyship cases and substantial damages for vulnerable clients, including those affected by brain injuries. Given particular mention was Lesley-Ann’s “specialist knowledge delivered in an empathetic and professional manner.”

Our Commercial Litigation team was ranked Band 4 within Essex, with the department praised for “always putting clients’ interests first” and handling a wide range of disputes, from landlord and tenant matters to probate, debt recovery and professional negligence claims. Prabhi Ghura was noted for her meticulous approach to property litigation.

Finally, our Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury departments, led by Partner Joanne Westbrook, were recognised as Band 4 within the South East. The teams were praised for their first-class service and tenacity, handling a broad spectrum of cases including workplace accidents, road traffic collisions, surgical errors, birth injuries and delayed diagnosis claims. The Legal 500 noted that they’re “a really excellent team that gets superb results through incredible care and hard work.” Rebecca Pilgrim was given specific mention as “a true rising star.”

Managing Partner, Sheri-Anne Mizon, said: “As a firm, we are very proud of this year’s Legal 500 results. They reflect the consistent hard work and expertise of our team, and we’re delighted that our client-focused approach continues to be recognised as it’s truly at the heart of everything we do.”