Muckle LLP's ranking success in Chambers & Partners 2024

Independent legal directory, Chambers & Partners has released its 2024 guide and we’re delighted to be ranked in 10 practice areas, including a new, improved Band 1 ranking for our Real Estate team.

Agriculture and rural affairs

The team maintained its Band 2 ranking and saw department head David Towns  (Band 2) and partner Charlotte Patterson-Ryan (Up and coming) were both recognised as notable practitioners. 

"Muckle has a diverse team to be able to apply various specialisms in order to overcome sometimes complicated situations."

"The team showed excellent communication and the ability to speak to clients in a manner that they understand."

Banking and Finance

Maintaining its Band 1 ranking once again, the team led by Louise Duffy were noted as having a “highly regarded practice that covers the full spectrum of banking and finance work.” Louise (Band 1) Laura Keegan (Associate to Watch) and Associate Zoe Ditch (Associate to watch) were all noted for their work in this area.

"Muckle has shown capability across all areas, drawing on individuals across the team where specific expertise is required. The team has also been excellent at translating complex legal matters and advice into simple language to aid understanding across less expert individuals."

"They try to take a pragmatic view and look for commercial solutions whilst always protecting the client's position."

Construction

Our Construction team, led by Adam Aston maintained its Band 3 ranking and was recognised as "straightforward to deal with, pragmatic, commercial and very reasonably priced." Lucilla (Band 3) and Partner Adam Aston (Band 4) were both recognised as notable practitioners. 

"They don't simply give you an answer to the questions – they also answer the ones you didn't ask but should have done."

"They look at deals from a number of angles to ensure that no commercial mistakes are made. Given the number of deal structures we proceed with, their awareness of the important matters is always clear."

Corporate/M&A

With 5 ranked lawyers and a Band 1 ranking for the team overall, our Corporate team were noted as being known for its significant experience in shareholder and M&A matters.

Senior Partner, Hugh Welch maintained his Eminent Practitioner ranking and Andrew Davison OBE was ranked in the category of ‘Senior Statespeople’. Team head, Anthony Evans (Band 2), Partners Philip Clare (Band 1) and Adam Rayner (Band 3) were all recognised for their work in their field.

"You just get the feeling they have seen it all before and can bring that experience."

"They provide excellent client management and responsiveness."

"They very quickly grasp what is required and seamlessly bring together the vast experience and expertise of their specialist departments to offer a one-stop solution."

Employment

Head of Employment, Chris Maddock maintained his Band 1 ranking, and the team overall were ranked in Band 2 for their work. Lisa Kelly was ranked in Band 3.

"I had total trust in them to advise in areas I found difficult to understand. They are quick, accurate, always accommodating and friendly. Costs have always seemed reasonable and been as quoted."

"We receive high-quality advice which delivers the necessary guidance we require underpinned by a strong depth of knowledge on the subject matter and our requirements as a business. Not only is the breadth of their experience impressive, but we benefit from the long-term relationship that has developed over time. The service levels are excellent in every respect and they are very fair on their charges."

IT

Noted for being “particularly popular among clients in the sports sector, offering an impressive depth of expertise in areas of tech commercialisation, procurement and implementation, and disputed IT arrangements”, the team maintained its Band 2 ranking.

Team head Alex Craig was ranked in Band 2.

"Muckle provide a personable service, going the extra mile to support and add value."

Intellectual Property

Led by Alex Craig (Band 2), the team maintained its Band 2 ranking for its “strong IP practice with clients ranging in size from emerging regional businesses to multinational brands across a variety of sectors”

Alex is noted for her non-contentious IP practice and George Festing (Band 2) is recognised for his experience litigating music and digital media copyright infringement cases, and is also recommended for trade mark, designs and patent disputes.

"Muckle has a solid reputation in the IP space which is well earned. They have dealt with some quite high-profile cases, particularly in the media and entertainment sector."

"They have a good grasp of complex issues and they suggest clear and practical solutions. The team is quick and responsive. They provide clear and consistent cost estimates."

"The firm is always efficient, accurate and helpful."

Litigation

Ranked in Band 2,  the team regularly handles contractual and shareholder disputes among a broad array of other contentious issues. It acts for both regional and international clients from an array of industries including manufacturing, construction, financial services and IT.

Notable practitioners in the team include team head Susan Howe (Band 1), and Partners Leah Heatley (Band 2) and George Festing (Band 2).

"They provide excellent commercial dispute services and don’t just follow the process blindly, but rather litigate with a view to achieving the best commercial outcome."

"I've been impressed with the speed and succinctness of the advice from Muckle."

Real Estate

Our Real Estate team has moved from Band 2 to Band 1 with Chambers recognising them as 'a regional heavyweight'

Team Head Jonathan Combe maintains his Band 1 ranking, with partners James Armstrong (Band 2), Gail Bennett (Band 3) and Will McKay (Band 3) and Deborah Lazenby (Up and Coming) are all notable practitioners.

"A team of impressive individuals who are very client-focused and have a very commercial approach."

"We always receive excellent and fully thought-through advice from Muckle."

"Muckle's team demonstrates faultless work ethic and responsiveness. The lawyers have an excellent understanding of our commercial drivers and a pragmatic approach to risk management."

Social Housing

Team head, Charlotte McMurchie maintained her Band 2 ranking, leading a team advising on a variety of property matters, including developments, housing management issues and transactional work. The team as a whole maintained its Band 3 ranking for its work across North East & Yorkshire.