The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial: Hampshire, Penningtons Solicitors LLP is a third tier firm,

Penningtons Solicitors LLP is recognised for its strength in the technology and education sectors, and saw an increase in cross-border transactions in 2011. Guildford-based Simon Bickerdike leads the team, and in Basingstoke Charles Brooks and Joanne Vengadesan are also recommended.

Within Corporate and commercial: Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Penningtons Solicitors LLP is a third tier firm,

The ‘outstanding’ corporate team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP was bolstered in 2011 by the hire of London-based James Klein from Rosenblatt and David Kendall from Stevens & Bolton LLP. It advised a number of international clients on their UK investments, and also fields an advice group for Indian clients.

Within Corporate tax, Penningtons Solicitors LLP is a first tier firm,

At Penningtons Solicitors LLP, practice head Sarah Cardew has ‘excellent technical knowledge’ in VAT, stamp duty land tax and leisure sector issues, and leads a ‘friendly, approachable team’. Clients include Aviva, Sodexo and CMS Developments.

Within Debt recovery Debt recovery

Within Employment: Hampshire, Penningtons Solicitors LLP is a third tier firm,

The ‘proactive’ team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP recently gained The Fire Fighters Charity and Lanson International as new clients. The ‘very commercial’ David Bickford is an active figure on the tribunal side.

Within Employment: Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Penningtons Solicitors LLP is a second tier firm,

The ‘very responsive’ team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP acts for clients such as Wurth UK and Make-A-Wish Foundation UK. Michael Cole, now based in Guildford, is the lead partner for employment matters in Surrey.

Within Clinical negligence: claimant, Penningtons Solicitors LLP is a first tier firm,

‘One of the leaders in the field’, Penningtons Solicitors LLP recently settled a claim for delayed diagnosis of breast cancer. Tim Palmer and Philipa Luscombe jointly head the team.

Within Personal injury: claimant, Penningtons Solicitors LLP is a second tier firm,

Philippa Luscombe’s ‘organised and thorough’ team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP has a ‘boutique feel’ and focuses on high-value claims. Mark Lee, who heads the travel team representing claimants injured abroad, is ‘a strong litigator’.

Within Regional review, Penningtons Solicitors LLP is a second tier firm,

2011 also saw a number of new office openings, including Penningtons Solicitors LLP in Guildford and Birkett Long LLP in Basildon, growing its already significant Essex presence. In Hampshire, Coffin Mew LLP opened a larger Portsmouth office, and Moore Blatch LLP expanded its presence through a new Whiteley base. Despite this increased South East coverage for some, many firms are going through a period of consolidation. Charles Russell LLP closed its Oxford office; Blake Lapthorn shut its Winchester base; and Matthew Arnold & Baldwin LLP now operates from London and Watford following the closing of its Milton Keynes office.

Within Agriculture and estates Agriculture and estates

Within Personal tax, trusts and probate: Hampshire, Penningtons Solicitors LLP is a first tier firm,

Penningtons Solicitors LLP handles wills and tax planning, and has seen an increase in contested Court of Protection applications. Michael Cash leads the team and is recognised for his expertise in contentious trusts and probate. Julie Burton and Richard Underwood are also recommended.

Within Personal tax, trusts and probate: Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Penningtons Solicitors LLP is a first tier firm,

Penningtons Solicitors LLP expanded its practice in 2011 with its merger with Dawsons Solicitors, enhancing its specialism in acting for injured and vulnerable individuals. Practice head Anthony Whitwell focuses on CGT and IHT matters.

Within Commercial property: Hampshire Commercial property: Hampshire

Within Commercial property: Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Penningtons Solicitors LLP is a third tier firm,

Penningtons Solicitors LLP’s commercial property team in Surrey includes Mike Busby, who is now based in Guildford, and John Ewens. Areas of strength include the healthcare sector.

Within Social housing, Penningtons Solicitors LLP is a second tier firm,

Linda Storey’s ‘excellent’ team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP represented Family Mosaic Housing in nuisance possession proceedings with mental health, Human Rights Act and Equality Act elements. Also recommended is London-based Andrew Casstles, who joined from Devonshires in May 2011.

Within Intellectual property Intellectual property

Within IT and telecoms IT and telecoms