Chambers UK 2023 rankings firmly establishes Debenhams Ottaway as a trusted adviser to businesses

With more teams and lawyers recognised in this year’s rankings than ever, Debenhams Ottaway’s reputation as trusted advisers, working with SME’s, owner-managed businesses and entrepreneurs in Hertfordshire, London and across the UK, is firmly established.

The commercial property team keeps its band 1 status with a client commenting that it has “a good balance between risk awareness and commercial gain”. Commercial property co-heads Ruth Boulton and Jonathan Foy both receive individual lawyer recognition. Ruth is commended for bringing “a strong commercial awareness and astuteness to negotiations” and Jonathan is noted for being “commercial and technically very detailed in his approach”.

The employment law team’s ranking recognises their outstanding client service and ability to explain “complicated matters in a way that’s easy to understand”. Partner Louise Attrup is recognised in the individual lawyer rankings with one client commenting “I like working with Louise. She is pragmatic, knowledgeable and commercial”. ‘Associate to watch’ Michael Kerrigan is celebrated for having “a distinct analytical approach in his style of defending claims”.

The commercial litigation team is also recognised. They are often preferred over larger City firms as they offer the same quality expertise (many in the team are ex-City) at a more competitive rate. This success follows the recent new ranking in The Legal 500 for their insolvency and business recovery specialists.

Corporate partner James Brawn moves up the lawyer rankings this year and is recognised as “a very committed individual who provides practical solutions whenever issues arise”.

The divorce and family law team maintains its top band ranking. They have built a reputation for honesty and integrity and doing the very best for their clients. Partner Helen Young keeps her band 1 ranking with a client commenting that “she made an extremely difficult time much easier to handle. I could ask her anything and she would listen, explain and leave me feeling reassured”. ‘Associate to watch’ Natalie Lester is recognised for being “empathetic, kind, respectful, open and professional throughout”.

These successes follow the Chambers High Net Worth rankings that were published earlier in the year where Debenhams Ottaway continues to be the only band 1 firm in Hertfordshire for private wealth law.

Chambers UK is one of the leading legal directories. It benchmarks UK law firms and individual lawyers based on independent research and recommendations by fellow professionals and clients. You can find a full list of Debenhams Ottaway’s rankings on the Chambers UK website.