Re: Winter 2016 | Page 25

Chambers Rankings 2017 As we draw closer to the end of another successful year, we welcome the new Chamber Rankings for 2017. Since 1990, Chambers has published the leading directories of the legal profession. Many businesses and in-house legal teams trust them to find exactly the right lawyer or law-firm for their needs. Chambers reputation is based on their independence and objectivity. Few organisations have the strength of both an editorial and research team. They are considered to have the largest and the possibly best research team of its kind in the world. It is accepted Departments • Agriculture & Rural Affairs (Band 1) • Clinical Negligence: Mainly Claimant (Band 1) • Family/Matrimonial (Band 3) world-wide that their directories are one of the most accurate and the most reliable. We’re pleased to announce that a number of our solicitors at Mayo Wynne Baxter have been ranked for 2017. Melanie Minter, Head of Department for Clinical Negligence Chambers Ranking- Band 1 Head of Department Melanie Minter is particularly recommended for her work in birth injury and spinal injury cases. Sources say, “She’s got a huge amount of expertise. She thinks ahead, she is thorough and she is really good with clients; she has the people skills as well as intellect.” Helen Bell, Head of Department for Litigation Chambers Ranking- Band 3 Karim Mohamed, Head of Department Professional Negligence Chambers Rankings- Band 2 Helen Bell has a wide ranging practice encompassing all types of landlord and tenant disputes. She is frequently retained to advise on high-value dilapidation cases, breaches of covenant and boundary disputes. She also deals with propertyrelated negligence claims. Sources praise her for being “very clear, concise and to the point.” A market observer adds that she is “superb and trusted by clients.” Karim Mohamed specialises in assisting claimant clients with actions against legal, construction and financial professionals. One source notes: “He’s the sort of person who’s firm and decisive when it comes to making decisions and giving advice. Things will come to you well prepared and well thought through.” Simon Bailie-Hamilton, Head of Department for Rural Business and Property Chambers Ranking- Band 1 Lee Hills, Travel: International Personal Injury (Defendant) Chambers Ranking- Band 3 Simon Bailie- Hamilton is noted for his breadth of expertise and in-depth knowledge of agricultural issues, with experience as a chartered surveyor and farmer. A source says he is “proactive and incredibly good with clients,” explaining: “He’s able to communicate the point in easy language. He often gives a solution or a couple of recommendations, and then follows up in a timely, proactive manner.” Lee Hills is an accomplished travel litigator. He mainly defends tour operators, travel agents and insurers in claims arising from illness and skiing accidents. Sources describe him as a “very competent and amenable” solicitor who “Knows his stuff.” Gemma Hope, Family/Matrimonial Associates to watch Zoë Summers, Family/Matrimonial Associates to watch Gemma Hope is a well-regarded collaborative lawyer who advises on financial remedy matter s involving businesses, inherited wealth and pensions. Clients say that “nothing is ever too much trouble for her.” Zoë Summers handles financial remedy cases, nuptial and cohabitation agreements, and disputes between both married and unmarried couples. Sources recommend her as “a really tough negotiator who knows her stuff and fights her corner.” [Since the research was undertaken Zoe has been promoted from Associate to Partner] 23