Local firms make the legal grade
A number of Tunbridge Wells law firms have once again been recognised in the prestigious Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 rankings for 2026, reinforcing their expertise across multiple practice areas…
COOPER BURNETT
In Chambers 2026, CooperBurnett LLP is listed in Real Estate for the South and Corporate/M&A: SME/Owner-managed businesses for the South. In addition, Victoria Sampson and Russell Brinkhurst, Partners in the Corporate and Commercial team, have also been ranked. In the 2026 edition of The Legal 500, the firm’s Corporate and Commercial team is ranked in Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Chambers talked to a selection of clients at CooperBurnett. One said: “The team are reliable, pragmatic and professional, and provide speedy responses. I have complete faith and trust in their technical and professional ability.”
Russell Brinkhurst joined CooperBurnett as a Partner in April 2023 and enjoys working closely with business owners, becoming their ‘trusted adviser’. One client said: “Russell has a comprehensive understanding of our business and is always supportive and proactive.” Victoria Sampson will be celebrating 30 years with CooperBurnett next year. She is a member of CooperBurnett’s Management Board, Head of Corporate and Commercial Services, and co-leads the firm. Client quotes regarding CooperBurnett LLP from The Legal 500 2026 include the following: “I’ve worked with CooperBurnett for about ten years. Their professionalism and expertise is outstanding, while also having an excellent depth of knowledge in commercial law.”
The latest Legal 500 rankings confirmed CooperBurnett as one of the ‘firms to watch’ in Construction. The guide says Construction Partner David Brown is ‘an expert in contract disputes, insolvency matters and adjudication proceedings’. It then adds that ‘the construction group at CooperBurnett is highly sought-after among regional contractors and sub-contractors on high-value contentious matters’. Joseph Oates, Head of Contentious at CooperBurnett and the firm’s co-lead, says: “Being listed in both Chambers and The Legal 500 is always a huge accolade for us as a firm. We are particularly proud of our Corporate and Commercial, Construction and Residential/Commercial Property teams, as well as being delighted by the recognition received by Russell, David and Victoria.”
www.cooperburnett.com
THACKRAY WILLIAMS
Thackray Williams is also enjoying increased rankings in the Chambers UK Legal Guide, designed to help individuals and businesses find expert legal advice. The Employment team has had its ranking increased (up to a Band 3), while Property Litigation and Family Law have both achieved rankings for the first time, being awarded Band 4. Family Law Partner, Caroline Burstein, has been ranked for the first time (Band 4).
Other teams and individuals have maintained their rankings. Corporate Partner Nick Gabay has retained his top Band 1 ranking, while Co-Managing Partner Emma Thompson has maintained her Band 3 ranking for Employment Law. Real Estate has maintained its Band 5 recognition. Thackray Williams has also maintained its ranking in another key legal guide, The Legal 500. “Thackray Williams’ overall performance in the Chambers UK Legal Guide is testimony to the hard work of all our people, as well as our clear vision that has taken us from a high-street solicitors’ to a leading regional law firm,” said Emma Thompson.
www.thackraywilliams.com
WARNERS
Mark Davis, Senior Partner at Warners, told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine that Warners’ recognition in the rankings is ‘testament’ to the hard work put in by all of the team. “The rankings in this year’s guide are testament to the firm’s expertise and client-focused approach. Maintaining our practice area rankings, alongside an increase in individual lawyer rankings, reflects the depth of expertise within our teams. “I am particularly pleased to see Michael McNally’s rise in the rankings for Agriculture & Rural Affairs and Louise Brenlund’s first individual ranking in the Employment category. These, together with Martin Terrell’s continued Band 1 recognition in the UK-wide Court of Protection category, illustrate the strength of our specialists across the firm. “The increase in rankings follows the earlier success of our highly ranked Private Client team in the Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide released earlier this year. “I would like to thank all of our clients and fellow professional advisers who took the time to share their insightful and complimentary feedback on the work undertaken by our lawyers.”
www.warners-solicitors.co.uk
