The Legal 500 2024 edition was released this week with some excellent rankings and testimonials for the teams and individuals at Greene & Greene. ‘A team of city lawyers working outside of London but providing a London service.’ ‘The capabilities of every member of the team that I encountered inspired confidence.’
The firm has four Top Tier practice area rankings, seven recommended practice areas, 11 leading individuals, three next generation partners and six rising stars. In total, 27 of our lawyers are mentioned by name for their standout contribution to their respective practices.
Corporate services:
Our Tier 1 ranked Corporate lawyers are known for their strong roster of regional and national work and ‘can punch above its weight’. Practice head Simon Ratcliffe, is ‘knowledgeable and highly pragmatic‘ whilst Andrew Cooper and Neil Walmsley ‘provide a first-class service and are great at finding commercial solutions‘. The ‘accessible and proactive‘ Mark Daly is involved in high-value and cross-border transactions for public and private companies, and Mark Whittaker frequently advises private equity and venture capital clients.
The Commercial Litigation team are delighted to maintain their Tier 1 ranking with quotes including: ‘A very user-friendly and capable team, without the London price tag.’ Rob Adam, Lead Partner and Michael Batty, Senior Partner are noted for their ‘excellent strategic thinking and foresight’ as well as their ability to ‘work together with counsel to achieve the best result’.
The Commercial Property team are noted for being ‘well equipped to deal with commercial property transactions. They understand the need for fast paced commercial advice when needed.’ Practice head and Partner, Tim Mendes da Costa frequently handles multimillion-pound acquisitions, including care home sales. Hugo Greer-Walker provides ‘a friendly ear when needed, and sound and consistent advice’. Rising Star Julia Cardy is noted for her ‘timely, courteous, expert and good advice. She does what she promises, and often more.’ Senior Associate, Sally Whatley-Brown is also ranked as a recommended lawyer.
The Property Litigation practice is ‘Good, honest, straightforward, clear communicating individuals who are well versed in their field. Strong depth of knowledge and wide-ranging skill set within the team.’ Partner, Rob Adam is described as ‘responsive, calm problem solver who works hard on the solution. Honest with clients and manages expectations well. Strong communicator.’ Whilst Partner, Sarah Western is also described as ‘logical, methodical, calm and experienced. Excellent communication skills, works to find alternatives and a solution rather than create a problem.’
Partner, Sarah Western leads the Construction practice and is described as ‘very professional. Accessible to clients at all times. Goes the extra mile.’ Litigation Partners Michael Batty and Rob Adam, who is noted for being a ‘star lawyer’ and residential and commercial development specialist Hugo Greer-Walker are also noted for their key roles. Anna Britland, Senior Associate is listed as a recommended lawyer.
The Employment team are noted for their excellent client service with one client commenting ‘‘What makes the team at Greene & Greene so unique is that we see them as an extension of our team, we know them as people and teammates – they understand our business and operations and we celebrate our wins together.’ Head of department Selene Holden is noted for being ‘truly outstanding,’ whilst fellow Partner, Greg Jones ‘is a phenomenal lawyer. He is a great listener and is able to empathise and calmly advise us on very technical issues. Greg is super responsive and takes the time to fully understand our objectives and issues.’ Rising Star, Angharad Ellis Owen is ‘highly professional but also very supportive.’ Senior Associate, Katie Harris-Wright is recommended with feedback including ‘Katie Harris-Wright is good at relating to any business issues.’
Individual services
The firm’s Top Tier Private Client practice, which assists clients across East Anglia, London and nationwide, is led by Wayne Perrin. The team has ‘A personal touch with good and prompt communications to clients. The partnership oozes traditional values without being stuffy or intimidating – a difficult balancing act which they deliver with aplomb.’ The firm handles many complex taxable estates and acts for numerous high-net-worth clients. Key names to note include ‘knowledgeable, responsive and efficient’ Senior Associate and full STEP member Zoe Hodge; ‘utterly professional and patient’ Tax Director Nigel Scase and ‘thorough, personable and efficient’ Partner, Martine Swaep.
The Tier 1 ranked Contentious Trust and Probate team have feedback from clients including: ‘I consider Greene & Greene an efficient firm that provides a capable but cost-effective service, especially for clients for whom the risks and realities of litigation are daunting.’ Experienced Litigation Partner Rob Adam, who is ‘highly intelligent but modest and unflappable’, leads the practice, in which Associate Bee Belby is noted as a Rising Star. ‘Bee Belby demonstrates a highly compassionate level of authority. Bee goes above and beyond to communicate in a manner that is understandable to the client and informative while always giving the decision-making process to the client and space and time to consider all options. Bee really does go way beyond her role to provide excellent customer service in a fashion that matches the client.’
Our Family team is led by Partner, Stuart Hughes who is noted for being ‘extremely bright but very down to earth’. He is supported by fellow Partner, Melanie Pilmer, who is ‘progressing their offering of out of court solutions.’ The team is known for handling national as well as regional family work, including high-value matters involving assets in excess of £30m. Rising Star, Legal Director Emma Alfieri, ‘is a very valuable addition to the Greene & Greene family team. She provides sensible, insightful, and helpful advice. She is extremely efficient, and client focussed and is a very reassuring presence at court.’
Managing Partner, Simon Ratcliffe commented ‘We are delighted with the results from this year’s Legal 500. This year we have welcomed new starters, including additional trainees with a view to expanding and future proofing our services. We pride ourselves on our client service so are delighted to see such lovely comments from our clients and contacts.’
For a full list of rankings and client testimonials, please visit Greene & Greene’s Legal 500 profile.
