Local law firm Stephens Scown LLP remains one of the region’s top firms of solicitors specialising in commercial litigation, employment, family and corporate law, according to the latest edition of industry guide, The Legal 500.

In addition to retaining the highest ranking in four sections of the guide, Stephens Scown has ranked in a total of 18 sections based on the feedback of clients and peers. On top of this, 13 of the firm’s lawyers have also been singled out for individual praise, with two being included for the first time.

Liz Allen, a senior consultant for Stephens Scown’s family team, and recently revealed as one of the Top 100 private client lawyers according to wealth management publication Citywealth magazine, has once again been included in The Legal 500 ‘Hall of Fame’. The Tier 1 ranked family team also received high praise, with one client describing them as: “The most dominant team in Devon and Cornwall by a considerable margin.”

Catherine Mathews, who heads up the firm’s dispute resolution team in Devon as well as being a board member, and Laurie Trounce, who jointly leads the firm’s corporate team, have been heralded as ‘Leading Individuals’ in The Legal 500 for the first time. They join partners Hilary Pitts, Richard Bagwell, Terry Falcão and Christian Wilson.

In addition, Sarah Atkinson, Ellie Hibberd and Richard Slater have once again been highlighted as ‘next generation partners’, while Thea Bennun, Ian Thomas and Tim Lane have retained their rankings as three of the legal profession’s ‘rising stars’.

Managing partner Richard Baker said: “Each of our specialist lawyers and teams possess a broad spectrum of skills and attributes unique to them. One unifying factor is a relentless commitment to delivering above and beyond client expectations. Our rankings in The Legal 500, and especially the client and peer testimonials at the heart of the research process that decides these rankings, are testament to this.

“I am especially pleased to see Catherine Mathews and Laurie Trounce receiving the recognition they deserve as leading individuals.”