The firm has secured Band 1 rankings in two West Midlands practice areas in the Chambers and Partners 2027 guide - Corporate M&A (SME/owner-managed businesses) and Family and Matrimonial.
Eight of its West Midlands lawyers are also individually ranked. James Frost is ranked for the first time as an “associate to watch”, and James Osborne has moved up from “up and coming” to Band 3.
The results form part of a record 131 rankings across individuals and practice areas for the national law firm, an increase of more than 42 per cent on last year.
Across the wider Midlands, HCR Law gained a new practice area ranking for banking and finance and improved its position in three further areas:
The firm’s Midlands teams also kept their rankings in six practice areas, including Band 1 for agriculture and rural affairs.
There are 19 individual rankings across the region, including a new Band 3 ranking for David Hall. Ally Taft keeps her Band 1 ranking, and Dominic Hopkins is again recognised in the senior statespeople category.
The results follow the firm’s integration of Wright Hassall in November 2025. That deal established HCR Law’s Leamington Spa office and further strengthened its Midlands presence.
Nationally, 87 HCR Law lawyers are now ranked, including 12 in Band 1, the directory’s highest ranking. The firm gained seven new practice area rankings and 17 new lawyer rankings.
Its education practice has again achieved UK-wide recognition, and head of education Kristine Scott keeps her individual UK-wide Band 1 ranking.
The firm’s healthcare, immigration and partnership teams were also recognised UK-wide.
Elsewhere, HCR Law secured a new Band 2 ranking for planning and environment in East Anglia, following the move of its Norwich office to larger premises in July 2026.
It also gained three new practice area rankings in the Thames Valley and a new litigation ranking in Wales.
Managing partner Rod Thomas said: “This year’s Chambers and Partners results are our strongest to date and reflect the exceptional work delivered by our people across every region and sector.
“They are particularly meaningful because they reflect feedback from clients who trust us to support them through opportunities and challenges.
“That trust drives our success, and we’re grateful for the relationships that make achievements like this possible.”
The latest results follow the release of the Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2026 in July, which recognised 25 of the firm’s private client lawyers.
