Birkett Long Celebrates Legal 500 Recognition

Birkett Long has achieved recognition in The Legal 500 UK 2025, securing top tier rankings across various practice areas. The firm has been ranked in Tier 1 for four practice areas, Tier 2 for four areas, Tier 3 for four areas, and Tier 4 for one area. 

Additionally, Birkett Long is honoured to have one Hall of Fame member, five Leading Partners, four Next Generation Partners, and four Leading Associates acknowledged in this year’s rankings.

This achievement highlights the firm’s dedication to delivering exceptional legal services, with clients consistently praising Birkett Long’s personal approach, tailored solutions, and deep understanding of their businesses. Below are key insights into the firm’s standout practice areas and client feedback:

Corporate and Commercial 

Birkett Long’s Corporate and Commercial team, led by Tim Field (Legal 500 Next Generation Partner), has been highly commended for its work with employee ownership trusts, sales, acquisitions, and financing. Clients appreciate the team’s understanding of business needs, with one client stating, “Birkett Long not only meets but exceeds expectations, providing not just legal services but a true partnership.” David Wisbey is also noted for his proactive approach and expertise in industries such as healthcare, insurance, and construction.

Commercial Litigation

In Commercial Litigation, Peter Allen (Legal 500 Leading Partner) has been praised for his strategic and commercial approach to dispute resolution, including breach of contract and shareholder disputes. A client shared, “The team is extremely commercial in balancing risk against reward.” Perdeep Grewal (Legal 500 Leading Associate) is recognised for his work in managing construction-related contractual disputes.

Employment Law

The Employment Law team, led by Julie Temple (Legal 500 Leading Partner), is known for its ability to handle both contentious and non-contentious HR matters. Clients praise the team for its flexibility and responsiveness, especially in urgent employment issues. Karen Morovic and Samantha Randall bring additional expertise, focusing on M&A-related employment and workplace disputes, respectively.

Agriculture and Estates

Caroline Dowding leads the firm’s Agriculture and Estates team, with clients commending her warm, collaborative approach. Emma Coke (Legal 500 Leading Associate) is recognised for handling complex rural property transactions, while Samuel Flower, who joined in 2023, strengthens the team’s expertise in agricultural law.

Commercial Property Law

Birkett Long’s Commercial Property team, led by Emma Wraight (Legal 500 Leading Partner), has earned praise for its meticulous handling of property transactions and land acquisitions. Melanie Bache (Legal 500 Leading Partner) brings expertise in stamp duty land tax and secured lending. Jennifer Tully, who joined the firm in 2024, adds significant expertise in land disposals and acquisitions.

Family Law 

The Family Law team, led by Philip Hoddell (Legal 500 Leading Partner), is celebrated for its compassionate approach to high-net-worth cross-border family matters. Lisa Collins (Legal 500 Next Generation Partner) is recognised for her work on complex financial remedy cases. Francesca Cozens (Legal 500 Leading Associate) stands out for her expertise in grandparent disputes and children’s cases.

Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate

In Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate, Claire Read (Legal 500 Hall of Fame member) is acknowledged for her exceptional service, particularly advising clients with international estates. Ben Parmenter (Legal 500 Next Generation Partner) and Emma Clarke bring further expertise, with Ben excelling in estate matters with foreign elements and Emma specialising in inheritance tax planning.

Public Sector and Education Law

Thomas Emmett (Legal 500 Next Generation Partner) is a key figure in the firm’s Public Sector team, offering guidance in education law, including pupil admissions and exclusions. Madeleine Oakley, who joined in 2023, adds valuable experience in SEND Tribunal claims and education law matters.

Insolvency and Corporate Recovery

Kevin Sullivan leads the Insolvency and Corporate Recovery practice, receiving recognition for his methodical and tactical approach to contentious insolvency cases. Clients value his vast experience in navigating complex disputes.

Construction Law Expertise

The Construction team, co-led by Peter Allen (Legal 500 Leading Partner), is highly regarded for handling adjudications, mediations, and JCT contracts. Suryen Nullatamby (Legal 500 Leading Associate) is noted for his work in defect claims and delay disputes, further solidifying the team’s expertise in construction law.

Intellectual Property

Led by Jonathan Perlmutter, the Intellectual Property team has been praised for its expertise in multi-jurisdictional trademark work and patent disputes. Clients appreciate the team’s swift and effective advice, with one client noting, “Jonathan provides quality and timely advice on IP disputes.”

General Crime and Fraud

In General Crime and Fraud, Tej Thakkar leads the practice with extensive experience in criminal regulatory matters. Zoe Hosking is recognised for her meticulous handling of military law and court martial cases.

Recognitions by The Legal 500 UK 2025:

• Hall of Fame: Claire Read
• Leading Partners: Peter Allen, Melanie Bache, Emma Wraight, Philip Hoddell, Julie Temple, Kevin Sullivan, Jonathan Perlmutter
• Next Generation Partners: Tim Field, Lisa Collins, Ben Parmenter, Thomas Emmett
• Leading Associates: Perdeep Grewal, Suryen Nullatamby, Emma Coke, Francesca Cozens

The Legal 500 UK 2025 rankings confirm Birkett Long LLP as a leader in the legal profession, renowned for providing expert, tailored services across various sectors. One client summarised the firm’s value, saying, “Birkett Long delivers not just legal services but also a true partnership that understands and addresses the unique challenges its clients face.”