SMB top ranked law firm in leading directory

Chambers and Partners, an independent legal directory, has ranked Simons Muirhead Burton as a ‘Top Ranked’ firm. 8 of the departments have been ranked while 18 individuals have been recognised.

Within London, the Crime Team have maintained their Band 3 ranking in General Crime and their Band 4 ranking in Financial Crime and are described as “The team’s communication was excellent at all times, the fees were transparent and I was always kept informed. The whole process was smooth and well administered.” Head of the team, Phil Smith is ranked in Band 1 for General Crime and Band 4 for Financial Crime and is described as “extremely in control and knowledgeable in his field as well as being brilliant with clients, who he can put at ease very quickly in relation to stressful circumstances.” “He shows huge attention to detail, and excellent communication, and has a highly astute mind. A brilliant tactician with exceptional judgement.” Meanwhile, Anthony Burton CBE retains his title of “Senior Statesperson” which highlights the exception level of experience to which he is regarded by in the legal community. He is noted in the feedback as being “very sharp and fast at anticipating and resolving difficulties. He has provided fantastic advice and support.” We are also very pleased that this year Henrietta Ronson is listed in Financial Crime as ‘Associate to Watch’ which she adds to her ranking in General Crime. A client said “my experience working with her is second to none. She exhibits unparalleled domain expertise and always maintains a very high attention to detail which is decisive at critical points in the work. Her communication is always prompt and she has an uncanny ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly.”

Also, within the London rankings, the Family team have maintained their ranking. Head by Jane McDonagh, she is described as “she is pragmatic and sensible to work with.” “She is calm and clear, as well as being thorough.” The team which are also ranked in the Chambers and Partners HNW guide, received praise this year and continue to maintain a reputation for top quality divorce work. Partner, Tom Farley-Hills is described by one interviewee as his “main strengths are his close identification with his clients’ best interests, his rigorous attention to detail and his persistence.” “He is an all-around professional. He is very good with clients, very good at seeing the bigger picture and also very good on detail.”

The Media Disputes team maintain their top ranking of Band 1 in Defamation/Reputation Management along with four of the team ranked individually. The team are noted for “depth, expertise and years of experience in the field” and “the care and attention they give is exemplary.” Headed by Jeffrey Smele and Louis Charalambous, who are both ranked, are described as “very switched on and gives sensible advice, often in tricky situations” and “a figurehead in the area yet his likeability is second to none” respectively. Martin Soames is ranked in Band 4 and is noted as “an incredibly experienced media litigator and he’s able to dispose of disputes quickly and efficiently.” Managing Partner, Razi Mireskandari is ranked as an “Eminent Practitioner.”

SMB’s Media team are ranked for their work in three categories of Film and Television, Music and Publishing.  The Film and Television team, headed by Simon Goldberg and Razwana Akram, is described as “commercially minded, genuinely care about their clients and protect their interests for the long term.” Simon, who is ranked as a Band 3 lawyer, is noted as being “experienced, intelligent and very commercial.”  The Music team, are described as “extremely efficient in every aspect and always looks at the matter from every angle.” Head of the team Richard Baskind, is referenced as being “technically astute and has a very good client list.” Finally, within the media rankings, the publishing team are listed as Band 2 for their work. Ranked individual Martin Soames is mentioned for “giving  direct advice that is spot-on.” “He is very sensible, very astute and has a trusted client base.”

Lastly, in Civil Liberties and Human Rights, the team have ranked in Band 4. The team are known for their significant expertise in death penalty work, having established the Death Penalty Project, an NGO providing free representation and advice to those facing death penalties all over the world. Co-Founders of DPP, Saul Lehrfreund and Parvais Jabbar are both ranked in Band 3.

Congratulations to everyone involved in the process and a heartfelt thank you to our clients and referees for supporting us.