Debenhams Ottaway has achieved tier 1 status in four practice areas in the 2026 Legal 500 rankings.
The corporate and commercial and commercial property teams join the family law and divorce and Wills, trusts and probate teams at the top tier, marking a significant milestone for the firm cementing them as one of the leading legal advisers to businesses and families in St Albans and beyond.
Five partners have been recognised as ‘leading individuals’ for the first time, and the commercial litigation team celebrates a new ‘leading associate’ ranking.
New tier 1 status for corporate & commercial and commercial property
The corporate and commercial team’s rise to tier 1 reflects one of the firm’s biggest success stories. In just five years, the team has evolved from a two person team to become one of the firm’s most profitable in-demand legal services and the go-to in Hertfordshire for business-critical demands. Working closely with disputes, property, private wealth and employment teams, they support businesses across Hertfordshire and the UK, from family-run businesses to SMEs who operate on a national scale, through major legal transitions, change and challenges. Their reputation is reinforced by a strong network of referrers, including accountants and IFAs.
The team has significantly expanded its regional market share by growing by 200% in four years, with senior commercial lawyer Sarah Liddiard joining the team last year, bringing nearly two decades of experience in commercial contracts.
“Debenhams Ottaway has been responsive, provided excellent advice, and support throughout our company start up. Competitively priced and work with us as a partnership. We are not seen as just another customer which makes communication a pleasure and not a challenge.” Corporate and commercial, tier 1 – The Legal 500 2026
The commercial property team also celebrates new tier 1 status. As one of the largest and most experienced teams in the region, they continue to work on notable property transactions not just in Hertfordshire, but across the UK. The team advises businesses on a range of property transactions including complex developments and sales and purchases of both owner-occupied and investment properties. Their clients range from large corporates to local investors, and their work frequently involves national and multinational law firms on the other side.
“There is a wealth of experience in the team which means that they can deal with all transactional matters put to them, but also to be able to take a commercial view on some legal matters and advise their clients accordingly. They are prompt, professional and communicative, which is spot on.” Commercial property, tier 1 – The Legal 500 2026
Feedback about our other ranked teams featured in The Legal 500 UK 2026 includes:
- “They have not just given me legal advice, they have guided me through the whole process with kindness and empathy. I have never felt like just another case, they truly want to help me.” Family, tier 1
- “They are always efficient, responsive and willing to go the extra mile. They are professional and knowledgeable but also deliver service with a great friendly and personal touch.” Personal tax, trusts and probate, tier 1
- “The team is a highly competent team who have exceeded my expectations. They have established credibility with many HR Directors and Business Leaders in Hertfordshire.” Employment, tier 2
- “Debenhams Ottaway have a really strong litigation team, and experience managing sensitive large-scale proceedings with a keen eye on the client’s best interest.” Commercial litigation, tier 2
- “Showed a good understanding…they clearly had wide experience of differing situations …all of which gave us reassurance that their advice would be well-founded and practical.” Charities and not-for-profit, tier 2
- “A small but perfectly formed insolvency litigation practice with stand-out capability…Great service, always available and willing to discuss any concerns.” Insolvency and corporate recovery, tier 4
In addition to these new team rankings, six lawyers get new individual recognition this year:
- “Louise nurtures a partnership approach, keeps me posted regularly on progression, and sets out options and risks on routes forward.” Louise Attrup, leading partner for employment
- “James is a delight to deal with. Thoughtful, intelligent, and wise words way over the years he has been practising.” James Brawn, leading partner for corporate and commercial
- “Provides a high quality legal advice, but in a friendly and approachable manner, presented to clients clearly and in plain language.” Rachel Hyndman, leading partner ranking for personal tax, trusts and probate
- “Neil has vast knowledge of property matters and the law; this enables timely transactions and for potential issues to be identified and dealt with at the outset, increasing the chances of their successful resolution.” Neil Mercer, leading partner for commercial property
- “Alexander is highly commercial, clear-thinking, responsive, and a great person to work with. He genuinely cares about his clients and the service his firm provides.” Alexander Neale, leading partner ranking for commercial litigation
- “’At senior associate level, Robyn is extremely professional and effective, and can handle the most sensitive and difficult of situations with serious emotional intelligence” Robyn Adams, leading associate for commercial litigation.
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