Dorset law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors is celebrating success in national rankings for the second time in a matter of weeks.

It has received recognition in the newly published 2023 Chambers UK Guide for the excellence of its family/matrimonial and litigation services.

A trio of partners – Deborah Leask, Sean McNally and Katie Taft – were also ranked in the independent guide, which is compiled following extensive research and in-depth interviews with thousands of clients, legal practitioners and market sources.

The accomplishment comes hot on the heels of Ellis Jones’ inclusion in the influential Legal 500 publication.

Nigel Smith, managing partner, said: “Inclusion in the prestigious Chambers UK guide is further powerful independent endorsement of our lawyers and services.

“It follows recognition in the latest Legal 500 just a matter of weeks ago and the Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide in the summer.

“Such accolades are highly prized at Ellis Jones as recognition of the talents and hard work of our team, and demonstrate our continued drive for the highest of standards for our many valued clients.”

Ellis Jones’s family/matrimonial services were ranked in band two in the Southampton and Surrounds area, while litigation was in band four for the entire south.

Its litigation team was hailed for its experience across a range of disputes, excellent balance of junior and senior solicitors and ability to keep ‘impressive control’ in multi-party cases against difficult opponents.

The family/matrimonial team was ranked for the 11th consecutive year. It was praised for ‘punching above its weight’ and its strong reputation in litigation as well as offering alternative dispute resolution options. 

Joint heads of family Deborah Leask and Sean McNally were rated under the family/matrimonial listing for Southampton and Surrounds along with Katie Taft.

The guide highlighted Deborah’s experience ‘tackling complex matrimonial finance cases’ while Sean was hailed for his ability in ‘handling a wide range of family law matters’.

Katie was described as a ‘very strong lawyer’ with ‘deft handling of international child relocation and abduction cases’.

Ellis Jones, with more than 170 staff including 21 partners, has five offices across the south coast in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne as well as London.

PICTURE: GUIDING STAR: Ellis Jones Solicitors has been ranked in the new edition of the prestigious Chambers UK guide. Managing partner Nigel Smith is pictured front centre with some of the firm’s 21 partners.