Clarkslegal celebrates continued Top-Tier status in Legal 500

Clarkslegal is proud to announce that we have once again secured a Top-Tier ranking in the latest Legal 500 guide, which highlights the UK’s leading lawyers and law firms.

We are delighted to be commended for our outstanding work across key practice areas, including Commercial Litigation, Commercial Property, Corporate & Commercial, Employment, and Immigration.

Alongside our firm-wide recognition, six of our exceptional solicitors have been individually highlighted. Antony Morris and Michael Sippitt continue to feature in the prestigious ‘Hall of Fame’. Monica Atwal, Chris Tayton, and Simon Ralphs have retained their positions as ‘Leading Partners’, while Emma Butcher remains listed as a ‘Next Generation Partner’. We are also pleased to congratulate Ruth Karimatsenga’s new ranking as a ‘Leading Associate’.

These strong rankings are further supported by overwhelmingly positive feedback from our clients and peers, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in legal services.

The Legal 500 is an independent guide that assesses the strengths of law firms and their lawyers through in-depth research and extensive client and peer feedback.

Please see below a selection of client quote extracts from the editorial.

Corporate & Commercial

Clarkslegal LLP‘s practice strengths include private equity investments, shareholder issues as well as the sales and acquisitions of business assets. The team frequently acts in cross-border M&A mandates and offers vast experience advising owner-managers on business exits. Practice head Ashan Arif is adept at corporate restructurings, business transfers, and joint ventures with a focus on the technology, media, hotel, and automotive segments.

“They were trustworthy, with a fast knowledge of the selling and buying of companies. Their expertise and communication were of a very high standard.”

“The whole team from Clark’s were outstanding, Ashan Arif was are main point of contact and his professionalism and guidance put our nerves at rest and made a very stressful experience manageable.”

“The team has a depth of experience that provides the capacity to deal with a transaction within a challenging timeframe.”

“Stuart Mullins has a wealth of experience, which enabled him to advise effectively on realistic and appropriate responses to challenges from the other side. He was approachable and communicated technical matters in a manner that ensured they were clearly understood. Our interests were well served by robust positions being maintained where this was required, while a commercial perspective was kept in view over matters which could be flexed to ensure our overall objectives were met.”

“The legal services provided by this firm uniquely combine extensive legal expertise with a forward-thinking approach. Their innovative mindset ensures that clients receive not just traditional legal advice but also strategic insights that anticipate potential legal issues before they arise. This proactive approach empowers clients like us to strengthen our negotiating position and navigate complex legal landscapes with confidence.”

“The team at Clarkslegal stands out for their exceptional personal attention and bespoke advice. They are not just legal advisors but trusted partners who take the time to understand our unique needs and provide tailored solutions. Their fair and insightful recommendations have enabled us to secure the best possible deal in our negotiation. Their genuine commitment to our success and their ability to offer personalised guidance truly set them apart.”

Commercial Litigation

The ‘really exceptional team of litigators’ fielded by Clarkslegal LLP handles matters ranging from IP/IT matters to issues of public procurement, professional negligence and more besides. Antony Morris heads up the group, utilising his ’encyclopaedic grasp of commercial law’ when acting for clients engaged in tech-related disputes, professional negligence matters and fraud claims. Chris Tayton represents parties to company and shareholder disputes in addition to property issues, while Emma Butcher is noted for her expertise in public procurement litigation and product liability procedures. At associate level, Jack Hobbs acts for automotive, tech and insurance clients across shareholder, fraud and other disputes.

“I worked with Antony Morris. He was organised, attentive and helpful.”

“Clarkslegal has a really exceptional team of litigators, with a depth of experience that is impressive. They master the core of commercial litigation and, beyond that, have specialisms in less familiar areas. That means that they can provide a broader, specialist service all in-house.”

“Antony Morris has an encyclopaedic grasp of commercial law, and distils it in a way that focuses on what is relevant and accessible for the client. His tactical abilities are really impressive. Chris Tayton and Emma Butcher are excellent at public procurement disputes, and deal with them with the speed and specialist knowledge that they require.”

“The team is extremely engaged and efficient. They maintain very good client rapport, through close contact and obvious commitment. Compared to other firms, they seem to offer exceptional value.”

“Emma Butcher is an exceptional partner – dedicated to her cases and clients, always willing to roll up her sleeves and grapple with the detail of legally and factually complex cases. She is highly collaborative with clients and other lawyers. Antony Morris is very measured in his approach. He commands great respect from clients. He is effective at delegating responsibility in order to get the best results.”

“Emma Butcher is excellent and highly collaborative and knowledgeable.”

Commercial Property

Acting for a diverse group of national and international clients from various sectors, including the education, healthcare, and motor retail spaces, Clarkslegal LLP handles the full range of development projects and transactions. Simon Ralphs, an expert in advising institutional investors, large retailers and property funds on real estate development and investment matters, heads the department. Pierre Dutton‘s practice focuses on acquisitions and disposals of investment properties, developments, and insolvency and restructuring matters.

“The team is approachable, very competent and deals with matters on a timely basis.”

“They have a good understanding of our business and how we work, and fit in with our requirements. They are all friendly, courteous and competent.“

“Very good all-round practice that can give advice on everything I’ve asked for and do it properly and efficiently.“

“Simon Ralphs is extremely competent.”

Employment

Well versed in handling matters with cross-border elements, Clarkslegal LLP excels in employment litigation, advice on restructurings and HR matters. Supporting senior executives with topics such as exit negotiations and discrimination is another focus of the team, which is led by Helen Beech, a key contact for change programmes, industrial relations matters, and settlement packages. Monica Atwal‘s specialisms include immigration matters, and mandates related to sex discrimination and equal pay. Michael Sippitt is lauded for his wealth of experience in industrial disputes. Katie Glendinning joined the team in November 2024 from Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP.

“A very likeable and approachable team of individuals with a foundation of technical excellence.”

“Katie Glendinning is an excellent solicitor – detailed, efficient, and responsive. I have worked with Katie on many cases over the years and her approach to her cases is always superb.”

“A specialist firm with London quality and a diverse range of experienced lawyers. Top quality employment law services.”

“Monica Atwal – an innovative and clever lawyer who fearlessly pursues cases for her clients.”

“Katie Glendinning is a charming and astute employment specialist who is switched on. She is great to deal with and very competent.”

“Clarkslegal have advised us through many different scenarios that we have encountered. They provide proactive information on law changes and have become an essential partner to our business and are able to advise on all aspects of employment, lease renewal, immigration and company law that we have come across.”

Immigration

A key port of call for various fintech clients, Clarkslegal LLP is well versed in sponsorship licenses, employee transfers, and UK expansion worker visas. The practice is led by Monica Atwal, who is experienced in advising businesses on global staff transfers and international corporations on branch establishment. Other key members of the team include Ruth Karimtsenga, who handles various immigration matters across the technology, healthcare, and engineering sectors.

“Ruth Karimatsenga works very well with others, is responsive, and committed to getting the best result for the client.”

“Both individuals are flexible in their availability with us and provide pragmatic advice.”

“Responsive, helpful, providing clarity on the most complex immigration issues.”

“Monica Mastropasqua and Ruth Karimatsenga have both assisted us recently with sponsorship for individuals and have provided a friendly, collaborative association coupled with speedy and knowledgeable advice.”

You can view Clarkslegal’s rankings on the Legal 500 website here.