what the leading legal directories say

 

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Chambers UK, A Client’s Guide to the Legal Profession and the Legal 500 are published annually and rank legal firms in all the legal specialisms based upon feedback from clients and peers alike.  Their findings provide a benchmark for those considering seeking legal advice.

 

Chambers UK (2007)

The south (rank 1)

The Firm: “Key player” Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons continues to dominate the pensions market in the South, offering a “cost-effective, helpful and professional” service. The Southampton-based pensions team has a broad practice that generates the majority of its own work, in addition to providing support to the firm’s prominent corporate department. The team mainly acts for trustees, although it has significant companies on its client roster. Recently the group has been inundated with requests for advice on simplification. Work highlights include obtaining clearance from the Pensions Regulator on a share buy-back for South West Trains. Clients recommend the firm for providing “a fantastic support system,” and are enamoured with the friendly service: “They’re real people with a real understanding of what goes on.” Lawyers are recommended for being “down-to-earth, knowledgeable and passionate about what they do.”

 

The Lawyers: Partner Maria Riccio is the lynchpin of the practice. She is respected for “keeping clients on the straight and narrow.” Clients value her for her ability to foresee potential problems before they occur and describe her as “smart, intelligent and charming.” Senior solicitor Roger May is highly regarded by clients for being able to “see from both sides of the fence.” He offers pragmatic, comprehensible advice.

 

Clients/Work Highlights: VT Group; Flagship; Radyne; Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra; Venners and trustees; Christie Group; Johnson Controls; The Quarr Group and trustees; Crest Nicholson and trustees; Western Provident Association and Goodwood Estate.

 

 

The Legal 500 (2006)

South east (rank 1)

The lawyers: Partner Maria Riccio and senior solicitor Roger May at Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons use “plain common sense” in advising across a range of pensions issues.

 

Clients include: RNID, Foster Wheeler Ltd and South West Trains.