The Legal 500 2026

1st Oct 2025

Author: Butcher & Barlow

Butcher & Barlow is pleased to share that the Firm has once again been recognised in The Legal 500 – marking our ninth consecutive year in the guide. We know rankings are not the whole story, but they do matter: they show that independent researchers have listened to clients and peers and concluded that our Teams are delivering clear advice, practical solutions and results that make a difference.

This year, the Firm is again proud to be recognised as a Top Tier Firm for Agriculture & Estates and Commercial Property. These rankings reflect the depth of our experience across the rural economy and the commercial property market: from strategic land and Estate planning to development, leasing, investment, and complex transactions, our Teams combine sector knowledge with straightforward guidance.

Across the wider Firm, we maintained strong rankings in Company & Commercial, Property Dispute Resolution, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Tax, Trusts & Estates, Family Law, Contentious Trusts & Probate, and Medical Negligence. We are also delighted that Personal Injury has risen to Tier 4, recognising the steady progress and positive outcomes achieved for clients over the past year.

We are especially proud of colleagues whose personal achievements have been acknowledged:

• Mike Bracegirdle – Hall of Fame
• Rebecca Jepson – Leading Partner
• Tim Bailey – Leading Partner
• Rachel Martin – Next Generation Partner
• Seema McWilliam – Next Generation Partner
• Zoë Paton Crockett – Leading Partner

Zoë sadly passed away earlier this year. Her dedication to clients, her mentorship of Trainees and junior Lawyers and her warmth as a colleague are woven into the fabric of our Firm. This recognition stands as a fitting tribute to her talent and the respect she earned across the profession.

In addition, 27 other Lawyers across our offices have been named as Recommended Lawyers. That breadth of recognition speaks volumes about the consistency of our client service and the strength-in-depth of our Teams across the North West.

What does this mean for you in practice? It means that when you come to us, whether as a business owner, a landowner, a family or an individual – you will find approachable people who understand your goals and work alongside you to reach them. Our approach is grounded in the values that guide everything we do:

• Openness – we explain your options clearly and help you weigh risk and reward, so you can make informed choices with confidence.
• Honesty – we are direct about what will help and what will not, because good advice should be practical and candid.
• Personable – we are human first. We listen, we respond and we keep you involved at every stage.

Over the past year, our Agriculture & Estates Team has supported clients with successions, diversification projects, land assemblies and stewardship of Estates, helping families plan confidently for the next generation. Our Commercial Property Team has acted on acquisitions, disposals, developments, and complex leasing across sectors including retail, logistics and manufacturing, always with a focus on timelines and commercial realities.

Our Dispute Resolution Teams, both Commercial and Property, continue to prioritise early, pragmatic strategies to avoid unnecessary cost and disruption, while being prepared to take a firm stance where needed. In the Private Client Department, our Lawyers have guided families through Wills, Tax, Trusts & Estates and have stood alongside clients in Contentious Trusts & Probate matters, combining technical skill with sensitivity. The Family Law Team has supported clients through change with calm, constructive advice focused on the future. In Medical Negligence and Personal Injury, our Teams have worked to secure fair outcomes and access to rehabilitation, reflecting a commitment to care as well as compensation.

None of this would be possible without our people. To every Partner, Solicitor, Trainee, and colleague across our Offices: thank you for your professionalism, care and determination. Recognition across so many practice areas is the direct result of your hard work and the way you live our values every day.

And to our clients: thank you for your trust. Your feedback shapes how we work and pushes us to improve. When you tell us that our communication is clear, that we are responsive and that our advice is practical, it means we are delivering on our promise.

Looking ahead, Butcher & Barlow will keep investing in people and technology, broadening training and deepening sector knowledge so that the advice you receive remains timely, commercial and tailored to you. Whether you are making a personal decision or a strategic move for your business, we are here to share that decision with you, listening first, advising clearly and acting with integrity.

Decisions. Shared. Your Solicitors, for life.