The Legal 500 is an independent guide to UK solicitors. Firm and department rankings and recommendations are based on various criteria and focus on the strength of the team and the consistency of quality of individuals within a team. Client feedback and interviews form an intrinsic part of the comprehensive research process.
Editorial quotes in the recently issued 2023 edition include:
‘The PHB family team has exceptional experience of the most complex international family law disputes. Very few other firms have this level of experience. Hand-in-hand with this the firm delivers a very personal service, giving clients the assurance that both their case and their welfare are being cared for with utmost attention.’
‘PHB has an unparalleled reputation in the field of family law. I have experience of their modern families practice, which is excellent.’
‘This is a long established and highly successful team with real expertise. It is in many of the high profile cases particularly in the area of trusts. It invariably achieves a good outcome for its clients’.
‘What sets PHB apart is the incredible value for money for clients. They have top tier individuals and experience with high-value and complex disputes, but they do not charge the same sorts of rates as larger firms. They are also a constantly growing practice, with new individuals at every level being introduced each year’.
‘The entire team at PHB is very smart, switched on to the issues in these areas but also easy to deal with and highly proactive’.
‘The team has vast experience in dealing with high value and complex disputes and has a deserved first-rate reputation. They have the benefit of being able to draw on the expertise of their brilliant private client team, which is invaluable where as so often happens tax considerations shape the litigation or its settlement’.
‘Small expert team with high levels of service and advice unique in a world of large firms.’
‘Professional, knowledgeable and experienced. Well written clear unfussy advice which is on point.’
‘Payne Hicks Beach has a particular niche in acting for high net worth individuals facing persecution in their country of origin and seek to resist removal from the UK. This complex asylum/human rights work is conducted by a small number of firms, and PHB does it especially well.’
‘Payne Hicks Beach has a glittering reputation in business immigration. The firm conducts the full span of work applicable to commercial immigration law. In addition, given the firm’s strength in cases involving human rights and asylum, the solicitors at PHB have particularly innovative ways of addressing problems which arise beyond the ‘tick box’ approach mandated by the Home Office.’
‘Incredibly strong immigration offering, complemented by the wider private client areas. A truly unique technical proposition, delivered with a highly personalised service.’
‘PHB takes an entrepreneurial and strategic approach to a practice area that can often be treated as a commodity by firms. The team has the insight and intelligence to serve as strategic advisors to businesses and individuals.’
‘Responsive, a pleasure to deal with and willing to give real advice’.
‘A very knowledgeable and conscientious team that always strives to go the extra mile to assist us, and make us feel valued and important. The team collaborates well, so nothing is missed, but yet, no unnecessary overlap. Very clear and concise billing. Technology excellent, particularly useful of late with online meetings’.
‘It is rare to find a strong rural team in London and whilst the cost associated with procuring legal services in the capital can sometimes put off clients who would otherwise source their advice locally, there are times when quality of expertise and speed of response justifies the extra outlay, as here’.
‘I have been a client of the firm for nearly 40 years. They have a real understanding of trust management and the attendant legal and financial challenges. I have found them good strategic thinkers, tactically innovative, good at execution and very personable’.
‘The Personal tax, trusts and probate team of Payne Hicks Beach has quickly established itself as one of the leading practices in the UHNW and Family Office market, every bit the equal of some of the more established names. The quality of the firm’s client base is testament to this. The Payne Hicks Beach team is a pleasure to work with, and collaborate well with other service-providers (trustees/accountants etc.) all in pursuit of the client’s best interests’.
‘I find the team at PHB extremely knowledgeable, but able to get out of the ivory tower to give practical advice’.
‘A real depth a specialism in a relatively niche area.’
‘The firm’s spread of expertise in dealing with high net worth individuals means they are able to provide a bespoke cross-jurisdictional service.’
A broad range of client focused lawyers with a superb level of experience of handling cases across the media law spectrum. Friendly and personable to deal with and thorough in their approach’
One of the strongest and most established boutique firms in this sector, always involved in high profile cases.’
Excellent integration between the contentious and non-contentious teams, and between partners and associates – an advantage of a relatively small and close-knit firm.’
‘This is a hidden gem in the London litigation market: PHB will make a client feel taken care of, while building the best team to suit the demands of any given case.’
‘PHB is a safe pair of hands operating in this market, which is the most important thing.’
‘An excellent team that works collaboratively with clients and Counsel – adapted well to remote and hybrid working, and always ready to go the extra mile.’
‘They offer very good value for money relative to their competitors in the City.’
‘The people are dedicated, incredibly hardworking, professional and always contactable. Their professionalism, understanding and adaptability‘.
‘Friendly, discreet and lethal in litigation.’
‘As private client solicitors they offer well informed advice and guidance to families and have done so through the generations.’
‘PHB is a first-rate litigation firm. The lawyers are capable of dealing with diverse claims efficiently whilst taking a strategic approach to ensure the best possible outcome for the client.’
‘An extremely effective team able to handle complex property litigation disputes with great skill.’
‘The quality of the service provided is second to none.’
‘A strong and established boutique firm in this sector, always involved in high profile cases.’
To read the profile for Payne Hicks Beach click here
Payne Hicks Beach’s UK practice rankings can be found below:
Tier 1
Private client: Contentious trusts & probate
Leading Firm
Corporate: M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m
Corporate: Partnership
Dispute Resolution: Commercial litigation: mid-market
Employment: Senior executives
Employment: Immigration: business
Employment: Immigration: Human rights, appeals and overstay
Private Client: Agriculture and estates
Private Client: Art and cultural property
Private Client: Personal tax, trusts and probate
Public Sector: Education: individuals
Real Estate: Commercial property – corporate occupiers
Real Estate: Commercial property – development
Real Estate: Property litigation
Real Estate: Residential property
TMT: Sport
Firm to Watch
Crime, fraud and licensing: Fraud: White-Collar Crime
