LAWYERS in Dorset have again figured strongly in the Legal 500 guide to the profession.

The guide ranks firms in their specialised fields, basing its judgements on solicitors’ submissions and on independent reviews carried out with clients.

Bournemouth-based Steele Raymond achieved top tier ranking in three of its specialist areas. It is the 11th consecutive year that the firm has achieved top tier rankings.

Chairman Tim Stone and partner Chris Twaits were listed as “leading individuals”, while the guide also singled out property litigation specialist Simone Ritchie, family partner Julie-Ann Harris and partner Sue Middleton, partner Emma Stainwright and consultant John Daniels of the commercial property team.

Mr Stone said: “We have once again received the highest possible ‘top tier’ ranking that the guide awards in our three core practice areas, and as the team has grown we’ve achieved better results than ever for our many other areas of expertise including family and property litigation. All this is the result of a great team effort and something that we can all be very proud of.”

Lester Aldridge, based in Bournemouth, Southampton and London, was listed as a top tier firm in five practice areas and recommended in 16 other practice areas.

In the south west, the firm achieved first tier rankings for corporate and commercial, commercial litigation, employment and commercial property, as well as for shipping in the south east.

It was ranked as a “regional heavyweight” in the south west, with “great depth of experience and knowledge”.

Its lawyer David Ashplant was named a leading individual and 23 others were mentioned in the text.

Managing partner Michael Giddins said: “I am delighted that we have once again achieved top results in this year’s Legal 500. The rankings are based on interviews with our clients so reflect our commitment to providing a first class service across all of our service areas.”

Laceys, which has offices in Bournemouth and Parkstone, was recommended in six practice areas as well as acquiring recognition in employment law. Members of staff who are singled out included Sam Freeman and Edwina Young in corporate and commercial; Kate Mansfield in personal tax, trusts and probate; and Brendan Herbert in commercial litigation.

The full list of local firms featuring in the guide was as follows.

Regional heavyweight. Fifth tier: Lester Aldridge.

Corporate and commercial, Dorset and South Wiltshire. First tier: Lester Aldridge, Bournemouth; Steele Raymond, Bournemouth. Second tier: Laceys, Bournemouth. Third tier: Ellis Jones, Bournemouth; Frettens; Christchurch. Leading individuals: David Ashplant of Lester Aldridge; Tim Stone of Steele Raymond.

Licensing. Third tier: Horsey Lightly Fynn, Bournemouth.

Commercial litigation, Dorset and South Wiltshire. First tier: Lester Aldridge, Steele Raymond. Second tier: Frettens, Laceys. Third tier: Blanchards Bailey, Blandford, Dorchester, Shaftesbury and Weymouth.

Debt recovery. Second tier: Lester Aldridge.

Banking and finance. Second tier: Lester Aldridge.

Employment law, Dorset and South Wiltshire. First tier: Lester Aldridge. Second tier: Frettens, Steele Raymond. Third tier: Ellis Jones; Kemp Jones Solicitors, Christchurch; Laceys.

Health and safety. Second tier: Lester Aldridge.

Clinical negligence (claimant). Third tier: Coles Miller of Poole.

Personal injury (claimant). Second tier: Lester Aldridge. Third tier: Coles Miller.

Professional negligence. Fourth tier: Lester Aldridge.

Agriculture and estates. Third tier: Blanchards Bailey.

Charities and not-for-profit. Third tier: Lester Aldridge.

Contentious trusts and probate. Second tier: Ellis Jones, Lester Aldridge. Third tier: Steele Raymond.

Family law. Second tier: Ellis Jones, Lester Aldridge. Third tier: Laceys; Steele Raymond; Woolley & Co, Bournemouth, Bristol, Chippenham, Truro and Wells. Fourth tier: Battens, Frettens.

Commerical property, Dorset and South Wiltshire. First tier: Lester Adlridge, Steele Raymond; Second tier: Laceys. Third tier: Battens; Frettens; Mogers Drewett, Sherborne. Leading individual: Chris Twaits, Steele Raymond.

Personal tax, trusts and probate. Second tier: Lester Aldridge. Third tier: Steele Raymond. Fourth: Battens, Blanchards Bailey, Frettens, Laceys.