Putting clients first: Debenhams Ottaway recognised in Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026

Trusted legal advisers to wealthy clients, praised for personal service, strong relationships and clear advice.

Clients and professional advisers have once again recognised Debenhams Ottaway in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026, praising our personal service, strong relationships and ability to provide clear advice at important moments in clients’ personal and business lives. The feedback reflects how our wealthy clients value trusted advisers who take time to understand the bigger picture, work closely with their other professional advisers, and provide joined-up support that is practical, responsive and reassuring.

The private wealth team maintained its band 1 ranking, while Managing Partner Susan Glenholme was promoted from band 1 to eminent practitioner. Rachel Hyndman moved up to band 2, and Claire Sharp and Barry Griffin entered the private wealth lawyer rankings for the first time in band 3. The family law and divorce team was also recognised in the guide, alongside partner Natalie Lester who heads the team.

For clients with complex family, business, property and succession planning needs, the rankings are an important reflection of the relationships built over many years. They also highlight the importance clients place on advice that is technically strong, easy to understand and delivered by people who know them, their families and their wider professional network.

Commenting on the private wealth team, clients and other advisers told the Chambers High Net Worth guide researchers:

“We particularly like the culture at Debenhams Ottaway because there is a willingness to help and a strong team attitude in all those we have had contact with.”

“Debenhams Ottaway is unique in my experience, in terms of the level of knowledge they provide and the standard of the service. The team are responsive, empathetic and plain-talking.”

“They have an ability to connect with clients, understand their needs and navigate complex matters with clarity. They take the time and care to build genuine rapport, explaining solutions in a way that is both accessible and reassuring.”

These comments reflect the qualities clients value when dealing with complex and often sensitive matters: responsiveness, empathy, plain-speaking advice and a team approach that helps clients feel supported and understood.

Managing Partner Susan Glenholme’s recognition as an eminent practitioner reflects her long-standing reputation as one of the leading private wealth lawyers in the region. Clients and advisers value her ability to combine technical expertise with a personal, practical approach, particularly where family wealth, succession planning and business interests need to be considered together.

“Susan is friendly and approachable but sharp as a tack. Her laser focus on value for her clients means my clients are in the best hands in the business.”

Rachel Hyndman’s improved ranking recognises the care and confidence she gives clients in often difficult personal circumstances. Clients and advisers praised Rachel for demonstrating “excellent levels of client service, constantly offering high levels of client empathy” and said her “greatest strength is putting clients at ease in often difficult personal circumstances.”

Claire Sharp and Barry Griffin both entered the private wealth rankings for the first time this year, with feedback that again focused on practical advice, client understanding and the ability to guide people through unfamiliar or complex issues.

“Claire Sharp is very experienced and gets the very best result for the client in the often unfamiliar area of trusts.”

“Barry Griffin is highly efficient, quickly builds rapport with clients and takes the time needed to ensure they fully understand the matters he is advising on.”

Alongside its established rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers UK, our family law team was also recognised in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide. Their feedback highlights the importance of clear communication, joined-up support and a calm, practical approach in often highly emotional and stressful situations: “Debenhams Ottaway’s communication was superb and it felt like there was real cohesion in the team.”

Natalie Lester, who heads the family law team, was praised by a peer who remarked: “Natalie Lester is a pleasure to work with. When she is on the other side of a case, I feel calm and assured that the matter is going to proceed with no nonsense and a clear, pragmatic approach. She gives sensible advice.”

Commenting on the rankings, Managing Partner Susan Glenholme said: “These rankings mean a great deal because they are based on feedback from the clients, contacts and fellow professionals who know us best. At Debenhams Ottaway, clients are at the centre of every relationship. Many come to us at important moments in their personal and business lives, and they value advisers who take the time to understand the bigger picture, work closely with their wider professional team and provide clear, practical advice. I am incredibly proud of our private wealth and family teams, whose expertise, care and commitment are reflected so strongly in this year’s Chambers High Net Worth feedback.”