Client feedback counts as Rollits reinforces credentials in Legal 500

Clients and contacts have underlined the responsiveness, knowledge, efficiency and overall professionalism of a leading law firm in testimonials and case studies submitted for the annual report published by the legal profession’s most prestigious directory.

Rollits LLP, which has offices in Hull and York, is commended by clients and contacts for a wide range of services in the Legal 500, which for 33 years has been analysing the capabilities of law firms across the world.

Rollits’ client base includes global brands, national concerns, SMEs, professional sports clubs, academic institutions, charities and more. Specialist sectors include Agriculture, Charities, Education and Food and Drink.

Ralph Gilbert, Managing Partner at the firm, said: “The Legal 500 is one of the most respected legal publications because of its reach within the profession and its rankings are used by clients, in-house counsel and other legal professionals to identify and select the best lawyers and law firms for their needs. Client feedback counts for everything, and we are delighted that the people and organisations we represent have given us their endorsement.

“In addition, many of our key people are again listed among the leading individuals and some new names also feature. Collectively, the Legal 500 rankings send out a strong message that Rollits remains a trusted and dependable firm but is also a progressive practice keeping pace with technology and modern innovations.”

In Hull and East Yorkshire, Rollits earned a tier one ranking in the categories of Corporate and Commercial, Employment and Commercial Property.

The directory recognises John Flanagan in Corporate and Commercial, Ralph Gilbert in Dispute Resolution, Caroline Neadley in Employment and Neil Franklin in Agriculture and Estates as leading individuals. James Peel (Education) and Sophie Wheeldon (Commercial Property) are referenced in the directory as Next Generation Partners.

In Corporate and Commercial the report highlights the role of Rollits in some major deals and testimonials from clients recognise the firm’s “strong representation in the Yorkshire region” and its responsiveness at solicitor and partner level: “Their main strength is that all partners know us and understand our business.”

The firm’s Employment team is noted for its work for private and public sector clients on the full range of employment issues. Ed Heppel is recognised for high-value corporate transactions and “notable capability” in handling TUPE transfers. Caroline Neadley stands out for experience in whistleblowing employment tribunal hearings and disability discrimination tribunal hearings, as well as disciplinary and grievance matters.

Testimonials from employment clients praised the team as “approachable, knowledgeable and extremely efficient”.

Commercial Property clients reported finding an “exceptionally responsive” service to property investors, corporate landlords and tenants, and lenders regarding real estate financings.

Testimonials acknowledged the timely response to urgent matters and a consistency in delivering a “practical and excellent” service.

Ralph Gilbert and Carolie Hardcastle are recognised for their Commercial Litigation expertise across property, probate, education and a wide range of business sectors.

Chris Drinkall, who heads up of the Property Litigation part of the practice, is noted for his “swift action under pressure” in matters ranging from boundary and right of way disputes, possession claims, and contested lease renewals to forfeiture actions and dilapidations.

Rollits is also recognised for Agriculture and Estates, Charities and not-for-profit, Family and Education. It is also listed for Planning, IT and Telecoms and Intellectual Property.

Diversification projects and specifically solar parks are highlighted as specialist areas for the firm’s Agriculture and Estates team. Client testimonials value the ready availability of advice which always carries a sense of realism and a commercial focus.

The Charities team at Rollits, headed by Gerry Morrison, is acknowledged for its strength with academies, land transactions, Charities Act procedures and the incorporation of charities.

The Family team’s collaborative approach is also singled out for praise. Department head Alison Benson oversees effective customer relationship management at the heart of the service which covers private work around relationships and children to more complex financial matters.

The Education client base extends across the UK and embraces establishments across schools, further and higher education as well as associated organisations including student unions, awarding bodies, and charitable and private training providers. Caroline Hardcastle leads on the contentious side with praise that her “passion and commitment are infectious”.

Commentary recommends the Planning team which “maintains a strong regional presence through its work on section 106 agreements, Development Consent Orders, and planning contract amendments in connection with residential development projects.”

The workload of the IP practice covers a wide range of mandates for clients in the food, manufacturing, sport and charities sectors, with team head Keith Benton maintaining a solid reputation for advice on sponsorship, licensing and distribution agreements, trade mark applications and IP acquisitions.

Keith is also the key contact in the IT and Telecoms team which is known for its work with numerous charities as well as IT providers to assist with contractual matters, including distribution arrangements and cloud services outsourcings.