The Legal 500 has published its United Kingdom 2026 edition of the best law firms. We are proud to share that Reeds Solicitors remain a Top Tier UK law firm. We’ve made even more improvements this past year, reinforcing our status as one of the best law firms in the country.
What is the Legal 500?
For over 30 years, the Legal 500 has assessed the strengths of top law firms in over 150 jurisdictions. The results are published in the form of ‘Rankings’ by region and practice area. You can view these rankings free of charge on their website.
Rankings depend on several factors: global client feedback, evidence-based submissions from law firms, insights from a dedicated team of researchers, and direct interviews with top solicitors in private practice.
We have maintained our status as a Top Tier Firm in two practice areas and are ranked in four more.
One Of The Best Criminal Defence Law Firms
As of the 2026 edition of the Legal 500, Reeds has once again ranked as a Top Tier firm in the South East and South West. This marks another year of Reeds keeping our standards high and being listed as one of the best criminal defence law firms in the UK.
Other Top Law Firm Ranked Practice Areas
This year Reeds Solicitors, recognised as one of the best law firms, have also ranked in three other practice areas.
The North-West General Crime practice, led by Beth Mantel, has maintained Rank Two. Reeds maintained another ranking this year, with Wales General Crime achieving Rank Two. The team is described as having a great, hard-working reputation that are easy to work with.
This year, the London General Crime achieved rank 3! This is a significant accomplishment with it ranking 4 last year. And our London White-Collar Crime department has maintained a ranking of 6.
Legal 500 Recognised Reeds Solicitors’ Individuals in 2026 Rankings
Reeds Solicitors are immensely proud to announce that many of its individual lawyers are ranked this year for their contributions to the firm.
Stuart Matthews, Head of Private Crime, has maintained his ranking as a Leading Partner.
Julian Richards, Head of Complex Crime, has also continued to be named as a Leading Partner. For the White-Collar Crime team, Mark Abbot has been recognised for his detailed yet practical advice throughout proceedings.
South West Solicitor-Advocate Stephen Clifford, who is a Partner and COLP in the Bristol branch, has been recognised as a Leading Partner for another year.
Andy Lee, a Solicitor-Advocate also in the Bristol branch, has maintained his rank as a Leading Associate. Another in the Bristol branch, Nicola Hutchinson, has maintained her rank as Next Gen Partners. Kate McNab is newly recognised as a Leading Associate in the South East branch. And finally, another newly recognised for this time as Next Gen Partners is Beth Mantel.
Chambers and Partners Also Recognised Reeds Solicitors as a Top Law Firm
Chambers and Partners have released its 2026 rankings also, and Reeds Solicitors is recognised across multiple regions and disciplines for the strength and consistency of its Crime and Court of Protection work.
Our North West team is acknowledged for their work by being awarded a Band 2 ranking. Individually, Damian Wall is highlighted for achieving a Band 1 ranking for his highly regarded criminal defence practice, while Beth Mantel is recognised for achieving a Band 2 ranking for her ability to translate the law into a language that clients can understand.
Reeds secured the top band in the South West for crime. Nicola Hutchinson earned a band 1 individual ranking for her client-focused approach. The Thames Valley team is commended for its experience in serious and complex crime, achieving a Band 1 ranking. Julian Richards and Stuart Matthews both achieved Band 1 for their leadership within the department.
Our Court of Protection practice is recognised as a Band 4. Chambers and Partners highlight their excellence as a Court of Protection department who deliver exceptional client service. Molly Fensome-Lush and Natasha Perry are named ‘Associates to Watch’ for their developing strong practice.
Reeds’ Wales Crime team earned a Band 1 ranking for consistently strong outcomes in serious crime and their excellent commitment to their clients’ best interest. Individually, Jon Wilkins was awarded a Band 2, while Nathan Adams was listed as ‘Up and Coming’ for developing expertise and client rapport.