A CHESTER-based law firm has been given a major boost after winning more plaudits than any of its city rivals in the latest edition of the legal industry ‘bible’.

Aaron & Partners LLP, based on Grosvenor Court, Foregate Street, features prominently in the newly-released 2010 UK edition of the prestigious Legal 500.

Published annually for more than 20 years, the Legal 500 series provides independent and comprehensive rankings of law firms in more than 100 countries and is widely regarded as the definitive industry guide. Researchers speak to thousands of commercial clients every year, and rankings are based on what they are told.

Aaron & Partners has received a total of 15 recommendations in the North West England edition – more than any other law firm in Chester. It is also mentioned six times in the Welsh edition owing to its extensive work for clients across North Wales.

Among the recommendations there is particular praise for the corporate & commercial and commercial litigation teams, which have been joined in the top rank of their respective categories by the newly-promoted agriculture and estates team for the first time.

Individuals singled out for particular praise include head of employment Helen Watson who is described as ‘excellent’, and the ‘well informed and clever’ head of wills, tax & trusts Clive Pointon. 

Charity and ecclesiastical law specialist Simon Ellis is described as ‘professional’ and ‘efficient’ with an ‘excellent’ knowledge of charity law.

Andy Duxbury, chief executive officer at Aaron & Partners, said the firm’s success was due to its strong team ethic and the willingness of different teams to work together to serve clients, which was reflected in all of the firm’s main practice areas gaining recognition.

He added: “To receive more recommendations than any other firm in Chester in such a respected guide to the legal profession is a fantastic accolade for Aaron & Partners. With so many of our practice areas singled out for praise, we have received as many recommendations as some of the larger firms based in Liverpool or Manchester which goes to show that businesses and individuals can get great legal advice here in Chester. 

“We are particularly pleased that our work in North Wales has at last been recognised and that our reputation continues to blossom across the North West.

“The only way a law firm can get into the Legal 500’s recommended list is on merit alone, so to have had so many recommendations is extremely pleasing.

“The whole team deserves credit for their dedicated service over the last 12 months.”