Legal 500 UK 2027: another strong year for Muckle

The latest Legal 500 UK rankings are out, and we’re pleased to see another strong set of results for Muckle.

This year, we’ve maintained 18 ranked teams, including 10 Tier 1 rankings, six Tier 2 rankings, one Tier 3 ranking and one Firm to Watch. There have also been some notable moves, with our Insolvency team moving up to Tier 1, while Private Client Tax, Trusts and Probate – North has moved from Tier 3 to Tier 2 for the second year running.

There’s been recognition for our people, too. Susan Howe has maintained her Hall of Fame rankings, while Leah Duffield and Robin Adams have been ranked individually for the first time. In total, we have 41 individual rankings, with eight of our lawyers moving up a ranking.

But for us, the most important part of the Legal 500 research is what our clients have to say. We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to share their experience of working with us. Here’s what they had to say...

Top-tier legal services

Agriculture

"Great client service across a wide range of disciplines. A very personable approach to business and outstanding availability and speed of response to meet client needs."

Banking

"The level of knowledge and experience is impressive. The team members that I have interacted with are extremely approachable and helpful, and their response times are fantastic!"

Charities

"I cannot recommend Muckle LLP highly enough. The team has demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism, care, and genuine commitment to their clients. They are incredibly supportive throughout every stage of our process, always taking the time to listen, explain matters clearly, and provide reassurance. Their advice is always clear, practical, and tailored to your situation."

Real estate

"They are knowledgeable as would be expected, but they are down to earth with it and look for practical solutions rather than the counsel of perfection approach that can be so frustrating at times. James Armstrong is first class, as is Rachel List, both of whom are partners and our principal points of contact. They are ably assisted by the likes of Eaden Hardcastle and Bri Cheng, who are enthusiastic but pragmatic and savvy beyond their years. Muckle also provides value for money. We can get work done on complex matters just as capably as city firms (who we also use from time to time) but at a fraction of the cost. They also keep matters moving and rarely need to be chased."

Corporate and commercial 

"This team is completely on your side. Going through a deal is hard work, stressful, complex, and overwhelming. The Muckle team is supportive, patient, challenging, innovative, and extremely talented. The depth of the wider Muckle team means that any issues that fall outside of Corporate, e.g., Employment, are easily resolved through the drafting in of the relevant expertise in the firm."

Education

"Muckle LLP has provided consistently high-quality legal support throughout academy conversion and transfer projects. The team combines strong expertise in education law with a practical, responsive, and collaborative approach, helping to navigate complex regulatory and governance requirements efficiently. Their key strengths include clear communication, excellent project management, and a deep understanding of the academy sector."

Insolvency and corporate recovery

"I've worked with Muckle on a couple of specific matters related to commercial loans. I've always found them to be very responsive and considerate in their approach."

IT and telecoms

"Technically very competent, but the business also has a nice and welcoming culture, which isn't always the case with law firms."

Media and entertainment

"Regionally, Muckle has proved itself to be the expert in the field of media contracts and agreements. Great communication systems with clients and a clear quotations and billing process make the experience reassuring and straightforward. The legal expertise is not an 'add-on'. The Muckle team becomes an integral part of the process, and I would have to go to London at much higher costs to find similar service."

Real estate dispute resolution

"They are knowledgeable, they are contactable, they are patient, and understanding."

Dispute resolution

"I appreciate the ability to liaise with real people and have designated contact persons on the cases I may need to work on. I strongly value the ability to have real conversations and look at situations with a risk-based approach. The team will help and support you with any issues you may have and will absolutely confirm whether it is their strength or capability or when there is someone more appropriate for you to enter into discussion with."

Construction

"The team at Muckle is quick and responsive when working on deals, and unusually (in my view), they are incredibly commercial and practical, trying to find solutions to challenges rather than simply listing the many reasons for not overcoming a challenge. Their attention to detail is second to none, and importantly, they are very well organized, which means that they are constantly being proactive and chasing outstanding points with the opposing lawyers. For me, their collaborative approach sets them apart in the market."

Debt recovery

"Muckle LLP stands out by combining sharp expertise with a genuinely human approach—think high performance without the stiffness. At its core, what makes the team unique is its ability to balance technical excellence with commercial awareness and approachability. Clients aren’t just getting advice; they’re getting insight that’s practical, tailored, and grounded in real-world outcomes."

Employment

"The employment team at Muckle is one of the best I have worked with. Sound advice, practical, and solutions-focused. There is excellent collaboration across the team, so if my total contact isn’t available, I can always access another member of the team."

IP

"Muckle demonstrated to us as a client an extraordinary depth of knowledge in the sector, as well as a breadth of expertise within the business to draw upon. We went through a competitive tendering process and we were delighted with the service they provided. Once we saw their output, we quickly realised how much value-add there was."

Personal tax, trusts and probate

"They do genuine estate planning, not just writing wills. Their technical knowledge is excellent, as is their client care; I have had great feedback from my clients that I've referred to the team!"

You can find the full rankings and listings on Legal 500's website.