Chambers 2010 Directory results
Chambers 2010 Directory published: HJA Public Children law
ranked one
Matrimonial and crime teams also improve and nine lawyers
recognised as “Leaders in their Fields”
12 November 2009
The 20th annual legal ‘who’s who’
Chambers UK directory was published today. Hodge Jones & Allen
LLP is ranked in nearly all its specialist practices and has
climbed a position in three notable areas including a deserved top
tier position in its public children law. Nine lawyers are
recognised as “Leaders in their Fields”, an 80% increase from just
five lawyers last year.
The Hodge Jones & Allen teams have been
ranked in the Chambers 2010 directory as follows:
Rank
1
Family: Public
Children Law
“This firm balances legal aid work with
private instructions. The team is attracting an increasing
amount of high-value ancillary relief cases, but has particular
strength in complex public law children matters. Child abduction,
abuse and forced marriage regularly feature in the group's
caseload. Sources Say: "It is a highly skilled team with
a commendable willingness to help even the most difficult clients."
Partner Emma Hall is an expert in care proceedings. Peers describe
her as being “dedicated to client care, and thorough in
preparation.” “
Rank
2
Crime
“This firm has developed a very strong
criminal department, including two barristers and seven other
higher court advocates, which allows it to conduct 90% of its Crown
Court advocacy in-house. It successfully defended one of
the defendants in R v Hussein, a case concerning a revenge
killing in South London. Sources Say: "This group has the
approachability of a high-street outfit with the efficiency of
a City firm." Exemplary head of department Nigel
Richardson is recognised by the market as an excellent
all-round lawyer.”
Police Law
“This team has made a strong name for
itself in the police law field. It covers civil claims against the
police resulting from demonstrations, including the human rights
aspects, and also handles claims under the statutory scheme for
compensation for miscarriage of justice. Sources Say: “A
highly effective, experienced and knowledgeable group of lawyers."
Jocelyn Cockburn is a leading name for inquests and related
judicial reviews and civil actions. Susie Labinjoh's broad practice
covers civil actions against the police and prison service,
including public law challenges, human rights issues and
compensation claims for miscarriages of justice.”
Rank
3
Clinical Negligence
“Hodge Jones & Allen is recognised for
undertaking a wide range of clinical negligence claims.
Jacqui Hayat has a strong reputation for taking on complicated
cases that require innovative thinking. Recent highlights include
St George v The Home Office, in which she secured a
multimillion-pound award of damages for her client. Olivia Lawson
wins a wealth of positive feedback for being “switched-on, diligent
and easy to work with,” in addition to having “a great touch with
young claimants.” She is experienced in high-value cerebral palsy
cases.”
Housing
“This firm fields a substantial
group with specialised lawyers, including some Bengali speakers,
and frequently works for traditionally under-represented
communities. Ian Greenidge is "pleasant and effective,"
according to market sources.”
Personal Injury
“This firm is recognised for its considerable
expertise across all areas of personal injury law, and is a
reliable choice for high-value, catastrophic claims. The firm
recently established a new military claims department. Patrick
Allen is at the forefront of the practice and has "a wealth of
experience across a number of different types of injury
claims." Alison Parker has similarly broad expertise and
is also well regarded by market sources.”
Rank
4
Civil
Liberties
“This firm has a fantastic reputation in its
specialist areas of inquests and actions against the police. The
team is currently acting on a leading case concerning the
application of the Human Rights Act to armed forces deployed abroad
on active service. Jocelyn Cockburn is highly recommended by
commentators as "highly effective, experienced, knowledgeable and
skilled." Her inquests practice includes numerous representations
of British soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Rank
5
Family:
Matrimonial
(See Family: Public Law above for
comments.)
Rankings indicate where a practice is in
relation to its competitors, decided following a paper submission
by the firm, (entered in January), an interview with key team
members and editorial research including interviews with
referees.
The recognised ‘leading individuals’ are
Patrick Allen and
Alison Parker (Personal Injury),
Jocelyn Cockburn (Civil Liberties and Police Law),
Susie Labinjoh (Police Law),
Ian Greenidge (Housing),
Emma Hall (Children Public Law),
Jacqui Hayat and
Olivia Lawson, (Clinical Negligence) and
Nigel Richardson (Crime).
“Leaders in their Field” lawyers are ranked
against their peers in the Chambers Guide and they receive extended
editorial profiles.
Hodge Jones & Allen LLP had five leading
individuals in the 2009 Directory and this has increased to nine in
the 2010 directory - 40% of the partnership recognised.
Andrew Ewbank, Marketing Manager at Hodge
Jones & Allen LLP comments: “This is fantastic recognition
given by the UK’s leading legal research directory and puts the
firm in a very competitive position right up there with the best
lawyers in the country - across all our disciplines.”
The directory was launched on Wednesday
evening at the Grand Connaught Rooms in Central London, at a party
thrown by Michael Chambers and his team. 500 people attended the
“mad dash” to be the first to get their hands on the new books.