We are delighted to have once again been recognised as one of the leading firms in the UK with our continuing inclusion in this year’s Legal 500.
The Legal 500 rankings are a top, independent guide to the best lawyers and law firms across the UK.
These rankings, across a broad range of our private and corporate services demonstrate our dedication to providing the highest quality service to our clients, as also demonstrated by our high rating on Trustpilot.
We’re also especially proud of the number our team who have been recommended in the rankings, including Liam Brooke in the Wills, Trusts and Estate Disputes team who is once again named as a Next Generation Partner.
Below is an overview of each of the services that have been included in this year’s awards, including commentary from Legal 500 and client testimonials.
We have two services areas that have improved on their standing from the 2025 rankings:
Family – up to Tier 2
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP covers children matters, domestic abuse cases, and high-net-worth divorce and separation issues, in addition to a range of other matters. The department is led by the Huddersfield-based Sarah Ward, who is a qualified advocate, and Joanne Coen in Leeds, whose specialism is children law. Vikki Horspool is also a specialist in children law, and has niche expertise in female genital mutilation matters.
Testimonials
‘Ramsdens are a formidable team of family practitioners with many years of experience between them. They know their clients and give them realistic advice..’
‘The team probably has the best strength in depth in West Yorkshire. Excellent solicitors at all levels. Clients are in safe hands with Ramsdens..’
‘Ramsdens are a friendly, approachable team who are professional while remaining personable. They have a number of very experienced practitioners in private and public family law, who always strive to get the best outcome for their clients. they are very thorough in their case handling and always put their clients instructions at the heart of the case, but in a sensible and pragmatic approach..’
‘I am consistently impressed by the professionalism and integrity of Ramsdens Solicitors LLP. I feel what sets this practice apart is its genuine commitment to understanding each person’s unique situation and tailoring their services accordingly. The team’s strengths are in their thorough expertise, proactive communication, and unwavering dedication to professional standards. Overall, this practice combines expertise, integrity, and innovation, qualities that make it truly stand out in the legal landscape..’
Court of Protection – entered at Tier 4
Building on last year’s ‘Firm to Watch’ status, our Court of Protection team have entered the rankings at Tier 4 this year.
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP manages the financial affairs of a large number of clients under lasting powers of attorney and deputyships, and handles an array of contentious CoP matters as well. Practice head Natalie Lang is overseeing the burgeoning team of practitioners advising on health and welfare matters. The department is increasingly advising on issues relating to medical treatment, care and residence cases. Veronica Mullins is another key figure, and is a panel deputy.
Testimonials
‘The team has stand out senior lawyers, who are both excellent dealing compassionately with vulnerable clients, whilst also have a full and deep knowledge of the applicable law. Careful steps are always taken to ensure that P is fully heard and involved in proceedings. The briefs sent are always detailed and insightful..’
‘Availability, prompt responses to emails, readiness to explain legal matters – this was standard with whoever I dealt with. The company was large enough to be able to take on new referrals at quite short notice. It was reassuring to know that my clients and their representatives/family members would be getting a more than good service..’
‘Their competence, utter professionalism, willingness and approachability on all things related to LPOA/Deputyship. None of my clients ever gave negative feedback. Very empathetic towards my client’s needs, some of whom came from dire backgrounds. As far as I can recall, the system of billing was very fair in as much as that the family did not have to bear any burden of payment or very little..’
Alongside these improvements, the following services have maintained their 2025 rankings, which is another excellent achievement from all involved!
Clinical Negligence: Claimant – Tier 4
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP’s clinical negligence team is led by Nick Armitage, who is head of dispute resolution, personal injury and clinical negligence. Rachel Sharp specialises in complex birth injuries, including hypoxic brain injuries and cerebral palsy claims. Nick Stojanovic focuses on complex and fatal clinical negligence claims, bringing extensive litigation expertise, while Ian Miles excels in fatal and complex cases with strong advocacy skills.
Testimonials
‘Ramsdens offer a full range of services, making them uniquely placed to manage the full spectrum of clinical negligence work, including fatal accidents and those engaging the Court of Protection. They are effective and bright..’
‘The firm demonstrates a real commitment to being a leading player in the clinical negligence field. This is demonstrated by its active involvement with other medico-legal professionals active in the field, ensuring it remains well connected and and at the forefront of education and developments in the sector..’
‘The team are fantastic very down to earth and approachable always with the clients best interests at heart. They are easy to contact which is not always the case with other firms. They connect with local people and have a presence on the Highstreet..’
Commercial Litigation (Dispute Resolution) – Tier 5
The ‘engaged and proactive’ team at Ramsdens Solicitors LLP is recognised for its ’practical, client-focused approach’, and is skilled at handling complex technical disputes, particularly in the engineering and construction sectors. Nick Armitage leads the ‘well-run and well-coordinated team’, which includes Paul Booth and Emily Walker, who are ‘efficient, tenacious, and great to deal with’. Hilary Garnett is also of note, specialising in large-scale commercial litigation linked to property and construction claims.
Testimonials
‘From a barrister – the team at Ramsdens is a delight to work with. All work is done to an exceptional standard, communications are first class, and the value for money received by clients is in a different league from most firms. Very good and sensible division of work between partners and lower grade fee earners, with the partners always being on top of the case and approachable. Client loyalty to the team is extraordinary..’
‘What stood out to me about Ramsdens’ litigation team was their practical, client-focused approach. From the moment they took on my case, I felt like I was in capable hands—not just because of their legal expertise, but because of how well they communicated and managed the process. Unlike other firms I’ve dealt with, Ramsdens didn’t treat me like just another case file. They took the time to understand my situation, kept me informed at every step, and ensured I never felt lost in legal jargon or uncertainty.
One of the things I appreciated most was how seamlessly they worked together. Even when the case stretched on longer than expected and counsel changed, momentum never dropped. Everything was handled efficiently, and I never had to chase for updates or worry about things slipping through the cracks.
Compared to other firms, Ramsdens felt far more engaged and proactive. They weren’t just reactive to issues as they came up—they stayed ahead of things, anticipating challenges and adjusting strategy accordingly. Their ability to handle a complex, drawn-out dispute with the same level of focus and dedication from start to finish made a real difference..’
Commercial Property (Real Estate) – Tier 4
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP offers comprehensive advice on all aspects of property transactions, from purchasing and investing, to selling and leasing. The Huddersfield-based team is led by Kirsty Jackson, who brings 20 years of experience in the real estate sector, representing investors, developers, and occupiers on prominent residential development sites. Another key member, Gwen Sharp, supports both public and private sector clients, handling development projects and corporate transactions.
Testimonials
‘The team as a whole provides comprehensive coverage for the range of issues that arise in commercial property. We have yet to present them with an issue that someone in the team does not have suitable experience to advise on. The corporate culture is one of finding solutions to support their clients’ deals..’
‘We’ve had the privilege of working with Ramsden’s commercial property, corporate and litigation teams for several years and their professionalism and commitment is exemplary. Their expert knowledge of property law and strategic guidance have helped us navigate through complex legal and development issues and maximised our commercial revenue opportunities. Ramsdens values align with ours and they represent us with integrity at all times, ensuring our interests are protected in every transaction and engagement..’
‘Across the board and at all levels the individuals we deal with provide timely, pragmatic and commercially astute advice..’
Contentious Trusts and Probate (Will, Trust and Estate Disputes – Tier 3
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP fields a growing team, noted by clients for being ‘extremely knowledgeable’ of trust and probate matters. Liam Brooke leads the department following his recruitment from Shoosmiths LLP in June 2024. Brooke covers matters relating to the Inheritance Act 1975 and disputes relating to the validity of wills, in addition to other issues. Katie Whitehead is praised as ‘sympathetic, patient, and professional’.
Testimonials
‘This is a well renowned team specialising in this field in Yorkshire. The team are friendly and approachable and clearly very capable..’
‘The team are Probate Specialists as opposed to just providing a general service. They are extremely knowledgeable and provided me with confidence to engage with them for my specific probate related requirements..’
‘Ramsdens, a relatively small firm based in the North, punches above its weight. It has quality work and quality people..’
Corporate and Commercial – Tier 5
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP‘s corporate and commercial team yields a ’wealth of knowledge and expertise’, with knowledge spanning mergers, management buy-outs, private equity investments, and complex partnership agreements. Adam Cockroft leads the ‘tight knit and well-functioning team’, with a focus on large acquisitions. Stephen Newman is key to the team, and is skilled at handling capital reduction de-mergers.
Testimonials
‘I would say that the firm is large enough to comfortably support large transactions, yet small enough to deliver a genuinely personalised service characterised by responsiveness and a high degree of partner-level engagement. Unlike some firms, which can appear uninterested in smaller projects or queries, Ramsdens demonstrates genuine enthusiasm to help clients irrespective of the scale or complexity of their needs. Potential clients value knowing that Ramsdens blends commercial expertise with practical advice delivered by approachable lawyers who understand their client’s specific requirements. Compared to other firms, Ramsdens stands out by combining the depth and resources of a large practice with the agility and personal touch typically associated with boutique firms..’
‘Ramsdens have been superb in helping us reorganise our affairs, at a time of significant change within our organisation. They have impressed us with their calm professionalism and knowledge, patiently allowing us to manage projects at our pace. Their advice and expertise was exactly what we had hoped for. First class..’
Employment -Tier 4
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP, led by Gareth Dando, provides strategic advice to a broad national client base, from SMEs to PLCs with thousands of employees. The team has particular expertise in complex discrimination, whistleblowing and senior executive matters, including collective consultation and injunction proceedings. The team benefits from David Bradley and handles a significant volume of Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal work. Emily Walker is also a key name to note.
Testimonials
‘Ramsdens are our ‘go to’ for employment law, we have used their services over the past 10 years. Their knowledge and expertise is great and would highly recommend anyone their services.’
‘The team takes the time to understand our business and our specific needs relating to the employment law issues we may have, ensuring that their services are professional and any legal terminology is explained in an easy transparent way which is easy to understand. The team uses the latest technology to enhance efficiency and the services they offer..’
‘As a business we require a fast turnaround from our legal advisors. The team at Ramsdens deliver that, or where more time is required, they keep us informed as to progress. The team are very knowledgeable in dealing with our main issues of Employment or general business legal issues. When we require advice on other legal aspects they are very quick to respond bringing in other specialist team members as required..’
Personal Injury: Claimant – Tier 4
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP’s personal injury and clinical negligence team, led by Nick Armitage, is known for handling serious injury claims across employers’ liability, public liability, and road traffic accidents. Supported by Rachel Sharp and Ian Miles, the team also includes a specialist abuse unit focused on vulnerable clients and domestic abuse survivors.
Testimonials
‘Years of combined experience dealing with personal injury claims at fast track and multi-track level in RTA, public liability, employers liability claims..’
‘Ramsdens was recommended to my family by a family friend. Throughout the entire process, they made me feel understood and never once uncomfortable. They really took the time to understand the trauma I had from the accident and were patient in explaining the future steps and possible outcomes. I never once felt like I wasn’t heard or listened to. They always made sure to involve me. I feel like other firms might not have been as understanding, and I could have possibly felt forgotten within the process. I don’t know specifically about innovations, but I do know that no other firm is quite as lovely, understanding, and committed to their clients as Ramsdens..’
‘A compassionate approach to personal injury, attention to detail and ensuring continual professional learning alongside any rehab team.’
Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate (Private Wealth and Succession) – Tier 4
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP’s private wealth and succession team, led by Veronica Mullins, specialises in wills, trusts, probate work, and complex intestate estates. Jodie Wielgus focuses on high-net-worth succession planning, while Thomas Jagger manages the growing intestacy work, with strong litigation and Court of Protection experience.
Testimonials
‘This team was recommended to me. I would have had no idea on how to proceed without their help in regard to acquiring probate and sorting out my relative’s estate..’
‘The Ramsden’s Team, are clearly very well coordinated and professional in there common sense approach to Legal matters, and able to explain things in a very clear and understandable manner to a complete Legal novice like myself. As well as which the Team at Ramsden’s go out of their way to be as helpful as possible, in terms of minimising costs and complex Legal terminology, so that the customer knows exactly what is going on and why. I would say that the Team at Ramsdens represent value for money and a first rate Legal Service..’
‘Ramsdens Solicitors is one of the friendliest firms I have ever come across, starting from those at the top and working down through the various departments. The expertise they show in their relevant fields, plus those outside of their usual remit, is second to none and thanks to the geographic spread of their offices throughout Yorkshire, there’s always a local office I can refer to my clients..’
In addition to the excellent rankings for our services, 30 of our team have been named as ‘Recommended Lawyers’ by the Legal 500 – a fantastic achievement for all of them and we’re proud of every one of them and the teams they represent.
A huge congratulations to all our teams on gaining such prestigious industry recognition and the fantastic client feedback across the board.