National heavyweights score for breadth of recommendations as CC shines in the City
Eversheds has once again emerged as the most recommended law firm in this year’s The Legal 500 UK edition, which was released at the end of September. The top-20 Legal Business 100 firm achieved 198 recommendations overall, thanks in part to its significant City and national coverage.
The three top-ranking firms in the 2013 directory are consistent with last year, when Eversheds gained 202 recommendations in total. Pinsent Masons again appeared in second place with 179 recommendations, while the world’s largest firm by revenue, DLA Piper, was placed third with 155. Two new entrants are featured in fourth and fifth places this year, largely due to significant consolidation. DWF, which rose dramatically to the top 25 of the LB100 after completing five mergers in around two years, came recommended 128 times, while Bond Pearce and Dickinson Dees, which combined to form Bond Dickinson on 1 May, managed 114 recommendations.
‘Providing high-quality strategic advice combined with the highest levels of service is at the very heart of our ethos and being highly commended in The Legal 500 is a much appreciated testament to our achievements in this area,’ said Eversheds chief executive Bryan Hughes. ‘Responding innovatively to our clients’ needs in rapidly changing markets will continue to be a real differentiator for us in a highly competitive environment.’
The top-tier London rankings remain dominated by Magic Circle firms and Herbert Smith Freehills. Clifford Chance has overtaken Linklaters this year with 34 top band recommendations overall in London. Allen & Overy came third, followed by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and HSF.
The Legal 500 team compile the recommendations based on client and peer feedback and firm submissions that take into account details like the firm’s track record in winning deals, the complexity of deals and innovation.
The results echo the findings of this year’s Legal Business in-house survey, where Eversheds emerged as a clear winner with DLA in third place after Freshfields.