The 2022 Legal 500 rankings have been released recognising a number of our teams and solicitors here at Farleys once again.

Our Fraud and Business Crime and General Crime teams have maintained their rankings in the top tier and tier two respectively. Paul Schofield, head of the Fraud and Business Crime team has once again been recognised as a leading individual and Bridgette Hibbert, Associate Partner, as a next generation partner.

Here are just some of the comments received about them and the team:

Led by Paul Schofield, the fraud team at Farleys are at the very top of their game and excel in this area. They work well together and are all hard working and committed. They adopt an incredibly high level of client care and are available to the client and counsel at all times of the day any day of the week. They have a down to earth and realistic approach to cases which helps clients to focus on the issues and understand their cases.

“They are a firm which has true experts in the defence of serious fraud. They have been involved in the defence of many of the largest frauds of the last two decades which have been brought by the SFO, HMRC, Trading Standards and DBIZ. They are adept with computer technology which is essential for modern practice. They have some of the best forensic accountants to call upon.”

Our family team has also been ranked in tier two, specifically recognising the work of Antonia Love on financial matters on divorce and Angharad Bentley. The team received the following comments:

Very well established and organised firm. Clearly putting a lot of resources to achieve success and compete with others nationally. Their standards of practice are of very high standards and no different to top world class firms.

“No one like Antonia Love! She is confident, assertive, yet very thoughtful of details and compassionate. During the most stressful time of life she is there to get you though and makes it easy on you.”

Our corporate and commercial team has received a tier two ranking with particular mention of Debbie King, Ian Liddle and Richard Bell:

“Having dealt with the Corporate & Commercial team for a number of years, I can without hesitation state that as one they continue to fill me with confidence with every matter I raise with them. They have a very balanced commercial view of the world, and take the time to fully understand the background to any given situation, before then giving best and most practical advice. I cannot think of a single example where, at the end of the process, I have been any less than 100% satisfied with the quality of advice / work done by the team at Farleys.”

“As a collective, they take their time to fully understand the background to any situation, provide excellent advice in terms a lay person can easily understand, and then deliver to the highest of standards – all at a reasonable cost! What is there not to like about this practice?”

An outstanding team who have always delivered the highest standard of service at least equal to city centre corporates – but with the advantage of being super fast to react and provide a personal and commercial focus. Totally dependable – you want them on your team.

Our Commercial Litigation and Commercial Property teams have been ranked in tier three, with recognition for Kieran O’Connor, Mark Hague, Ian Liddle, Tom O’Neill and Stephen Greenwood and their teams in these comments:

Farleys is a relatively large firm in the North West area, but treat their clients and professional contacts in such a professional and friendly manner, it is like dealing with a small family solicitor. The team I deal with have a great deal of knowledge and experience and always provide great service. Just as important however, the service they provide is always prompt and accurate.

“I currently regularly deal with Stephen Greenwood but have also worked with Ian Liddle a lot. Both are exceptionally professional, knowledgeable, diligent, prompt & efficient. They don’t just do what they are told or the bare minimum, they think of the bigger picture and if required, will advise another course of action.”

Our Sports Law team has also been placed in tier three recognising the work of Daniel Draper and Michael Corrigan in advising professionals across a range of sports:

The team has a very strong offering in football and boxing, having been involved in a number of heavyweight disputes in the last year. They have a very impressive understanding of these sports operate at both a national and International level, and are able to help their clients successfully navigate what can be a complex regulatory regime.

“Daniel Draper is the stand-out individual at the firm. Dan has an excellent grasp on the regularity regimes that apply sports disputes and marries that well with an astute commercial awareness.”

“Dan Draper – very sector aware and able to tailor his manner and approach to different styles – including handling personalities well. Knows the regulatory regime backwards (including for example drugs testing). Very personable and low key style.”

Our Insolvency and Corporate Recovery have been ranked in tier five with recognition for Ian Liddle and Mark Hague in the work they do on both contentious and non-contentious work, including acting for insolvency practitioners and directors in various claims arising from insolvencies.

Our Personal Injury team, including Jonathan Bridge, Kelly Darlington, Michael Corrigan and Nick Molyneux, have also been recognised for the work they do, particularly with regards to abuse and inquests cases. Jonathan Bridge has been ranked as a leading individual.

Highly capable team with unmatched expertise in very high value claims arising out of childhood abuse and neglect.

“Jonathan Bridge has a phenomenal work rate and has secured some of the highest-ever compensation awards for victims of abuse in the UK.”

“Kelly Darlington is excellent with clients and a fierce litigator.”

Farleys’ Managing Partner Ian Liddle commented,

“We’re truly grateful and humbled by the comments we’ve received in this year’s Legal 500 rankings. Off the back of what has been a challenging year for everyone, it is fantastic for our teams to be recognised for their hard work supporting clients through the legal issues which have been thrown up as a result of the events of the past twelve months. We must also thank our clients for continuing to choose Farleys.”

For a full run-down of this year’s rankings and comments, please visit our Legal 500 page here.