Greene & Greene has retained its strong standing in the Legal 500 (UK) 2026 rankings, with recognition across multiple practice areas. The firm continues to hold three top tier practice areas and seven recommended practice areas. It boasts 12 leading partners, including Sarah Western being noted as a leading partner for the first time, alongside one next generation partner and six leading associates. Notably, Michael Batty, Senior Partner, has been elevated to the prestigious hall of fame, reflecting his exceptional contribution to the profession.
Corporate services
Agriculture
Our team is noted for having a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the agricultural sector. From farm sales and purchases, Settled Land Act estates work, and succession planning, to advice on agricultural tenancy issues and taxation, the team is regarded as a one-stop-shop for estate owners and investors. Practice lead, Jonathan Mathers is supported by James Southward, Wayne Perrin and Julia Cardy, with feedback from clients and fellow professionals including ‘A highly regarded and experienced team with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the agricultural sector,’ and ‘Jonathan Mathers and James Southward in particular, are highly regarded within the sector.’
Corporate
Our tier 1 ranked corporate team continues to advise on high-value transactions across the UK and internationally. The practice is led by managing partner Simon Ratcliffe. Partners Andrew Cooper and Neil Walmsley, along with Mark Daly, Mark Whittaker and Mark Williams, remain key figures in the team. Feedback from clients includes: ‘The Greene & Greene corporate team has built a niche practice assisting London Market insurance brokers and MGAs providing quality corporate and commercial advice. It is not all that they do, but their experience and expertise is deep and matches in quality many London City firms with which they compete. The difference is that they bring a strong element of practicality and pragmatism.’
Commercial Litigation
The team maintains its tier 1 ranking with feedback including ‘…stands out for its excellent track record in advising on regional and national commercial litigation matters and is handling an increasing volume of cross-border work.’ Lead partner Rob Adam continues to be recognised for his strategic insight. Michael Batty, now promoted to the hall of fame, is celebrated for his longstanding contribution and client service with clients commenting ‘Michael Batty is an excellent litigator,’ and ‘Competent, intelligent, thoughtful.’ Key lawyer, Rachel Turner-George ‘gives the kind of market-leading service I would expect from a Central London firm, and is able to go toe-to-toe with London firms and come off best! She misses nothing and is extremely efficient, very pleasant to deal with.’
Commercial Property
Serving a diverse client base across East Anglia and beyond, the team continues to handle complex, high-value matters. Comments include. ‘… (the team) has a reach beyond East Anglia and works on complex acquisitions, disposals and high-value lending facilities. Leveraging its expertise in key sectors such as the engineering, pharmaceuticals, pension fund transactions, and healthcare spaces, as well as its relationships with portfolio investors, the firm is known for providing excellent personal service. Tim Mendes da Costa leads the practice, supported by Hugo Greer-Walker, Julia Cardy, Sally Whatley-Brown, and newly ranked key lawyer James Southward.
Property Litigation
The team is known for its pragmatic and client-focused approach. Rob Adam and Michael Batty continue to lead the practice, with Bee Belby listed as a key lawyer. Commentary includes ‘a vastly experienced litigation group to handle increasingly complex and high-value property disputes. The standout name is Michael Batty, who is knowledgeable, smart, client-focused, resourceful, efficient, and great to work with. Practice head Rob Adam, construction specialist Sarah Western and landlord and tenant specialist Bee Belby are also key team members.
Construction
Sarah Western, newly promoted to leading partner, leads the construction team. The team continues to advise funders, developers, contractors, and professionals across the sector. Client feedback includes: ‘Greene & Greene’s construction practice is distinguished by its exceptional depth of expertise combined with a personalised, client-focused approach. The team’s comprehensive understanding of the construction sector, coupled with their ability to deliver clear, pragmatic, and commercially astute advice, truly sets them apart.’ Rob Adam is also noted for his work in this field, with feedback including: ‘Rob Adam is a rock star, who brings impressive expertise and a pragmatic approach, excelling particularly in complex cases where his ability to distil intricate legal points into understandable, actionable advice proves crucial. His proactive and solution-oriented mindset is greatly appreciated by clients seeking dependable and efficient representation. Smart, sensible, pragmatic – he’s everything you want in a lawyer.’
Employment
‘Counsel of choice to a diverse portfolio of well-known businesses,’ the employment team continues to serve a broad client base, including regional, London-based, and international employers. Selene Holden and Greg Jones remain leading partners, supported by Angharad Ellis Owen and Katie Harris-Wright. Client feedback includes: ‘Greene & Greene’s employment team stands out for its expert yet pragmatic approach, offering businesses tailored, commercially focused advice. Unlike larger firms, it combines city-level expertise with a highly personal and responsive service. Clients trust the team to handle complex employment matters, from tribunal claims and restrictive covenants to TUPE and executive exits, always delivering clear, practical solutions.’
Individual services
Private Client
Our top tier private client team, led by Wayne Perrin, handles complex and high-value estates. Martine Swaep continues to be recognised, alongside Nigel Scase, Zoe Hodge, and Amy Taylor. ‘Clients with complex taxable estates in the East Anglia region can rely on a truly exceptional team,’ is just one of the comments received in this year’s feedback. Other feedback included, ‘The team at Greene and Greene were truly exceptional in their ability to provide us with a professional service combining empathy, understanding and communication skills. They helped us to comprehend how to navigate a very complex situation and we felt really reassured throughout the whole process. What we imagined as being a stereotypical sterile environment was the complete opposite, and they made us feel really comfortable throughout. I’m really impressed by their diligence and commitment to their clients.’
Contentious Trusts & Probate
Led by Rob Adam, the team is known for its modern approach and traditional values. ‘Greene & Greene is a dynamic law firm who hold traditional business values sacrosanct and at the same time are forward thinking in their approach, demonstrating outstanding collaborative competence and provide exceptional client support.’ Bee Belby is listed as a leading associate with feedback from clients and counsel including ‘Bee Belby is a star of the firm. I have been working with her for about 3 years, and her instructions are of the highest quality, and the cases well prepared. Where Bee is involved in a case, I know that I can rest easy and know that the clients are being well looked after.’
Family
Led by Stuart Hughes and Melanie Pilmer, the family team continues to handle high-value national and regional matters. Emma Alfieri remains a leading associate. Clients’ comment ‘the ‘calm, composed, and client-focused’ team is led by Stuart Hughes, who comes with considerable client acclaim,’ and ‘One of the firm’s most notable strengths is its collaborative approach. I always felt like I had an entire team supporting me, even though Stuart Hughes was my primary contact. Communication was seamless and timely, and I was consistently kept informed and empowered throughout the process.’
Managing partner, Simon Ratcliffe commented: ‘I’m proud to see Greene & Greene once again recognised across a broad range of practice areas in the Legal 500 UK 2026 rankings. These results are a testament to the exceptional talent, dedication, and collaborative ethos of our teams. The calibre of client feedback this year has been outstanding, reflecting both our depth of expertise and the highly personal service we strive to deliver. I’m particularly pleased to see Michael Batty’s well-earned promotion to the Hall of Fame—an honour that reflects his enduring impact and reputation. It’s also fantastic to see Sarah Western recognised as a Leading Partner for the first time, marking another important milestone in our continued growth.’
For a full list of rankings and client testimonials, please visit Greene & Greene’s Legal 500 profile.
