A partner at a regional law firm has been named as a 'leading individual' in the Legal 500 Guide for the 10th year in a row.

The commendation for Chris Felton, a partner at Gardner Leader, is one of a host of accolades received by the firm.

It was highlighted in the guide for its ‘ability to adapt’, ‘excellent technical skills’, ‘well balanced and sensible advice’ and its ‘universally knowledgeable, determined, persistent and effective’ approach.
 
The firm was awarded recommendations across 12 practice areas and also retained its top tier ranking for its personal tax, trusts and probate private client work for the fifth consecutive year.
 
As well as Mr Felton, 32 members of the firm’s team received individual recognition, with five solicitors retaining special mentions.

Real estate senior associate Tim Blackman was named as a ‘leading associate’ having been mentioned as a ‘rising star’ last year, and partner in the wills, probate and estate planning team, Niamh Minihane, was been recognised for a fourth year as a ‘next generation partner’.
 
For 35 years the Legal 500 has been analysing the capabilities of law firms across the UK, as well as rating and recommending the best performing firms and solicitors across their practice areas.
 
Mr Felton, partner in the dispute resolution and life sciences teams, and board member, said: “It’s a great honour to have been recognised as a leading individual for a 10th year.

"I have been a part of the Gardner Leader family for nearly 30 years, it’s a brilliant firm to be a part of, this year’s rankings showcase the incredible hard work of every member of the team.” 
 
The achievements highlighted in this year’s Legal 500 Guide mark a successful period of growth for the firm, which has seen its team grow by nearly 20 per cent over the last two years.

Gardner Leader now employs more than 200 people.

The firm has offices in Newbury, Thatcham and Maidenhead and has tripled in size over the last 10 years, expanding to Oxford, Swindon, London, and Windsor.

Derek Rodgers, managing partner at Gardner Leader, said: “The Legal 500 is highly prestigious, and something we are very proud of being included in.

"As a firm, we strive to provide expert legal advice and peace of mind to our clients, and this year’s far-reaching recognition shows that we are succeeding in delivering on this. As we grow, we are continuing to expand on our knowledge and experience across all practice areas.”