Muckle stays on top: Chambers & Partners 2026 guide to the UK's best law firms

Chambers & Partners has released its 2026 guide, highlighting notable legal teams and solicitors for their outstanding work in the field. We're delighted to be ranked in 10 practice areas and have maintained rankings in all practice areas. We've also seen new and improved rankings for 25 of our lawyers.

Agriculture and rural affairs

The team maintained its Band 2 ranking and department head David Towns remained in Band 1. Partner Charlotte Patterson-Ryan also secured a Band 3 ranking.

Banking and finance

The team, led by Louise Duffy, has maintained its Band 1 ranking once again. Louise (Band 1) and Associate Zoe Jackson achieved an Up and Coming ranking.

Insolvency

Laura Keegan and Sarah Farish maintained their Associate to Watch rankings, while the team has now been awarded a Band 2 ranking.

Construction

Our Construction team, led by Adam Aston, maintained its Band 3 ranking. Lucilla maintained her Band 3 ranking, and partner Adam Aston moved from Band 4 to Band 3.

Corporate/M&A

With five ranked lawyers and a Band 1 ranking for the team overall, our corporate team were noted as being known for their extensive experience in transactions and shareholder and M&A matters. 

Our managing partner Anthony Evans (previously Band 2) was awarded an Eminent Practitioner ranking and senior partner, Hugh Welch maintained his ranking as Eminent Practitioner. Philip Clare (Band 2), Adam Rayner (Band 3) and Sarah Forster (Band 3) were also recognised for their expertise.

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 moved up to Band 2 and Amy Sergison (previously ranked in the Up and Coming category) moved to Band 3.

IT

The team maintained its Band 2 ranking. Team head Alex Craig was ranked in Band 2.

Intellectual Property

Led by Alex Craig (Band 2), the team maintained its Band 2 ranking.

Alex is known for her non-contentious IP practice which is centred on licensing deals, joint ventures, brand protection and portfolio management.

George Festing (Band 2) is highlighted for his specialism in technology-related disputes as well as his experience litigating music and digital media copyright infringement cases, and is also recommended for trade mark, designs and patent disputes.

Litigation

Ranked in Band 2, the team has a significant commercial dispute resolution practice advising on complex litigation and regularly handles contractual and shareholder disputes.

Notable practitioners in the team include team head Susan Howe (Band 2) and George Festing (Band 2).

Real Estate

Our Real Estate team has maintained its Band 1 ranking.

Team Head Jonathan Combe maintains his Band 1 ranking, with partners James Armstrong (Band 3), Gail Bennett (Band 3) and Will McKay (Band 3) and Deborah Lazenby (Band 4) are all notable practitioners.

Social housing

Team head, Charlotte McMurchie( Band 3) lead a team advising on a variety of property matters, including developments, housing management issues and transactional work.

For more information about how our expert team can support your business, call us on 0191 211 7777 or email [email protected].