Fast-growing law firm FBC Manby Bowdler has secured top rankings across the West Midlands in the UK’s leading guide to the country’s best lawyers.
The Legal 500 2027 guide recognises the firm’s commercial property team for the first time, both across the West Midlands and in Birmingham. Its new Birmingham family team has also been ranked for the first time and litigation department named ‘one to watch’ for civil fraud.
Wolverhampton-based Tim Gray has been named a Leading Partner for clinical negligence for the first time, with one client describing him as ‘the best clinical negligence lawyer in the region’. Susan Todhunter, who leads the firm’s serious injury team dealing with high value and complex catastrophic injury claims, retained her Leading Partner ranking. Charlotte Clode retained her Leading Partner ranking for commercial litigation alongside Guy Birkett, with Elisabeth Glover retaining her Next Generation Partner ranking. Charlotte also leads the contentious trusts and probate team, where Kimberly Mears retained her ranking as a Leading Associate.
Neil Lloyd, chief executive of FBC Manby Bowdler and Adeptio Law Group, said: “The Legal 500 rankings are always eagerly awaited as they reflect how our clients and peers see us. To secure new rankings across the West Midlands while keeping our top rankings is a fantastic result for the whole firm. “FBC Manby Bowdler has been looking after people and businesses across the West Midlands for more than 200 years. As we grow, our focus remains on the stellar service our clients have come to expect.”
In family law, Elizabeth Harris-Clark moved up to Leading Partner and Philip Cowell was named a Next Generation Partner for the first time. Shelley De’Worringham, who heads the Birmingham family team, retained her Next Generation Partner ranking. In Shropshire, Graham Fuller retained his Leading Partner ranking for personal tax, trusts and probate, with Christopher Bate retaining his Next Generation Partner ranking. In agriculture and estates, Sarah Baugh and Tom Devey retained their Leading Partner rankings and Megan Jackson was named a Leading Associate for the first time. Suzanne Tucker, who leads the planning team, retained her Next Generation Partner ranking.
Published annually, the Legal 500 is based on independent research including interviews and client feedback. It highlights the practice area teams providing the most cutting-edge and innovative advice.
