Europe, Legal, United Kingdom

FBC Manby Bowdler recognised in national ranking guide

10 August 2026

Image credit: FBC Manby Bowdler

Editorial Brief

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Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler has been recognised in the Chambers & Partners High Net Worth guide for its excellence in serving high-net-worth clients. The firm's Wolverhampton and Shropshire private client teams, along with several partners, received notable rankings, highlighting their expertise in complex legal issues. This recognition comes amid the firm's recent growth, including new offices and acquisitions, and its role in the newly formed Adeptio Law Group.

EDITORIAL INSIGHT: Context, industry insight and market perspectives of this news story

Recognition in the latest Chambers & Partners High Net Worth guide places FBC Manby Bowdler among a select group of firms acknowledged for their expertise in private client work. Such rankings are closely watched within the legal sector, as they are based on independent research and client feedback, and can influence perceptions among clients seeking specialist advice on complex wealth and estate matters.

For law firms operating in regional markets, national listings of this kind can support business development by attracting high-value clients and reinforcing credibility with professional referrers. The firm’s recent expansion, including new offices and acquisitions, suggests a strategy of building scale while maintaining a strong local reputation, a balance increasingly relevant as competition intensifies in the private client and high net worth advisory space.

The inclusion of FBC Manby Bowdler in the Chambers guide follows a period where private wealth services have seen sustained demand, driven in part by generational wealth transfers and evolving tax and regulatory considerations, particularly for clients with assets across multiple jurisdictions.

Story Ideas

Investment/funding

Private Equity’s Role in Reshaping Regional Law Firms

Explore the implications of private equity investments in regional law firms, using FBC Manby Bowdler's recent funding as a case in point. Discuss how such investments are transforming regional practices into national players.

Target audience: financial news, investment magazines
Story potential: 9/10

Business growth

FBC Manby Bowdler’s Expansion Strategy Post-Investment

Investigate FBC Manby Bowdler's recent growth spurt following significant private equity investment. Analyse the strategic decisions behind their geographic expansion and mergers, and how these align with their goals within the newly formed Adeptio Law Group.

Target audience: business analysts, financial news outlets
Story potential: 8/10

Press Release

Award-winning Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler has won national recognition for the excellence of its work in a prestigious legal guide.

The firm’s expert private client team at Wolverhampton has been ranked in the new Chambers & Partners High Net Worth guide of leading firms across the country.

Partner Michelle Monnes-Thomas, who heads up the firm’s community care team, also retains her Band 2 listing in the latest guide.

Chief executive Neil Lloyd said the rankings underlined the firm’s commitment to excellence, especially dealing with what can be the complex legal issues of high net worth clients.

“It is brilliant that we have again been recognised for the quality of the work we offer in this new Chambers guide. It is a tremendous endorsement of the work our team delivers every single day.

“Serving high-net-worth clients is not just about managing wealth, it can be about how we navigate family dynamics, risk management and complexity. We are not just giving expert legal advice, we’re protecting families and legacies.

“Chambers is one of the most rigorous and respected guides in our profession and we are incredibly proud to feature so prominently. It reflects the trust and confidence our clients place in us.”

The firm’s Shropshire private client team also maintains its Band 1 ranking as does partner Graham Fuller, who heads up the firm’s wills, probate and lifetime planning team in the county. Shrewsbury colleague Samantha Roberts is again listed as an associate to watch.

FBC Manby Bowdler has enjoyed a period of significant growth in the last year while retaining its roots as a trusted family law firm across the Black Country, Shropshire, Birmingham and Worcestershire.

It has opened new offices in Birmingham city centre and Wolverhampton, acquired Black Country practice Jordans Solicitors and made a number of high-profile recruitments.

The growth comes after the firm became the founding member of the Adeptio Law Group, which was launched following a £30million private equity investment by Horizon Capital in 2024.

Neil added: “Our continuing growth and success is closely tied to our role within Adeptio. We are helping to build a national law group that combines the qualities of the best regional firms with the scale and innovation of a modern, national business.”