More lawyers than ever ranked for Debenhams Ottaway in Chambers UK 2024

The number of Debenhams Ottaway lawyers recognised in Chambers UK 2024 has risen again, firmly establishing it as a trusted adviser to SME’s, owner-managed businesses and entrepreneurs in Hertfordshire, London and across the UK.

This follows the firm’s recent success in Legal 500 UK 2024 which saw it achieve its best ever rankings.

For Chambers UK 2024 rankings, a highlight is the commercial property team which deservedly keeps its band 1 status with a client commenting “Debenhams Ottaway is definitely one of the best property teams in the Home Counties.”

Commercial property partner Ruth Boulton maintains her band 1 status with her partner Jonathan Foy moving up to band 2. His experience and client care skills received excellent feedback “he has always gone the extra mile to help and support us, and we feel very confident in the advice we receive.” Ruth’s client comments “she has always strived to give her clients the best level of support and advice.” The team’s leading position is further reinforced by a new ranking in band 4 for partner Neil Mercer who is praised for being “very attentive and always provides clear and detailed advice.”

The employment law team’s ranking highlights their outstanding client service “I think the customer service levels are very high and you always feel valued as a client. It is a level of quality not always replicated by other firms.” Partner Louise Attrup improved her individual lawyer ranking rising to band 3 with her expertise highlighted “Louise knows her subject inside out and can take complex issues and find effective solutions.” ‘Associate to watch’ Michael Kerrigan, who was promoted to partner this year, is celebrated for being “very knowledgeable and passionate in employment law. He can always bring clarity to a client on employment matters.”

The commercial litigation team is recognised for its commercial expertise and industry knowledge that rivals London law firms. “The lawyers at Debenhams Ottaway are bright, commercial and a pleasure to deal with.” Partner Juliet Schalker, is ranked for the first time in band 3. “Juliet is approachable, trustworthy and very experienced in her field. She’s very commercial too.” Partner Alex Neale, who successfully leads the restructuring and insolvency business, is ranked for the first time, in band 2. “Alex is an outstanding insolvency litigator; you always feel like your case is being advanced in the best possible way and his advice is very thorough.”

Corporate partner James Brawn appears in the rankings in band 3 and receives excellent recognition for his expertise and client skills “I’ve worked with James on multiple transactions and would not hesitate to do so again. He is commercially savvy, pragmatic and a pleasure to work with.”

The divorce and family law team also maintains its top band ranking. The team has built a reputation for honesty and integrity and doing the very best for its clients “Without exception, the Debenhams Ottaway team has provided me with excellent client service.” Partner Helen Young keeps her band 1 ranking with a client remarking “I feel extremely fortunate having Helen to lead me through the complexities of separation and financial negotiations”. Natalie Lester who was promoted to partner this year, has improved her individual lawyer ranking to ‘Up and Coming’ with a client commenting “I have no hesitation in recommending Natalie to anyone going through divorce proceedings. She is patient, understanding, fair, practical and tenacious.”

The successes in Chambers UK follows the Chambers High Net Worth rankings which were published in July where Debenhams Ottaway continues to be a leading band 1 firm in Hertfordshire for private wealth clients.

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. A full list of Debenhams Ottaway’s rankings can be found on the Chambers UK website.