The influential directory of the UK’s top solicitors has independently endorsed the company’s services and individual lawyers in numerous categories.

Ellis Jones’ Poole office is at Canford Cliffs.

The firm was rated for its excellence in business services, commercial litigation, commercial property, contentious trusts and probate, employment, family and private client work including wills, trusts and probate.

Commercial litigation – including dispute resolution, banking and finance, insolvency, IP, and defamation dispute – was placed in the prestigious tier one rating. Head of Dispute Resolution Lauren Day was named as one of just four Leading Individuals in the whole of Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.

Katie Taft was individually recognised as a next generation partner in the family section – one of just seven in the entire South West.

Other solicitors praised in the Legal 500 included head of employment/HR services Kate Brooks; partner Matthew Clake; associate solicitor Maria Evans; joint heads of family Deborah Leask and Sean McNally; head of insolvency and business recovery Caroline Palacio; and senior associate solicitor Victoria Riddleston.

Nigel Smith, managing partner, said: “Recognition within the pages of the Legal 500 is a tremendous accolade.

“It is a highly respected and influential publication whose independent endorsement is much coveted within the legal profession.

“We are thrilled to be listed once again and praise must go to all of our talented and committed team for their hard work and excellence.”

The Legal 500 is described as the leading guide to law firms and solicitors in the UK.

Rankings are based on in-depth market research, client feedback and thousands of interviews.

Ellis Jones – with more than 160 staff and 19 partners – also has offices in Bournemouth, Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne as well as London.

PICTURE: EXCELLENCE: Managing Partner Nigel Smith, front centre, with some of the Ellis Jones team (file picture)