A LAW firm in Bournemouth has been named a leading practice in the south west for the 14th consecutive year.

Steele Raymond achieved top-tier ranking in its key legal areas of company and commercial; commercial property; and dispute resolution, while its employment law team enjoyed its second year in the top tier.

The guide also offered praise and recommended lawyers in the areas of family, private client, education, property litigation and contentious trusts and probate.

Steele Raymond has seen turnover grow 20 per cent this year.

The guide says the company and commercial team “far exceeds that of many of its regional contemporaries” with four of the team’s partners recommended – including Nick Davies, Paul Longland and Craig Hardman. Chairman Tim Stone is recognised as a leading individual and described as “an excellent lawyer and skilled diplomat”.

Five commercial property partners were recommended: team head Chris Twaits, Emma Stainwright, Sue Middleton, Jennifer Rogerson and Carol Elliott.

Managing partner Peter Rolph, head of dispute resolution, was named a leading individual, while colleagues John Andrews, Amy Cousineau Massey, Hannah Dare and Lauren Hayes were all recommended.

In property litigation, Hannah Dare received special recognition.

In employment, department head Amy Cousineau Massey was recognised, along with managing partner Peter Rolph and partners Paul Longland and Craig Hardman.

In the family team, recommendations went to department head Daniel Sanders, “valued as a Polish-speaking family lawyer”, senior associate Lindsay Halliwell and Michelle Bettell.

In private client matters, partner and head of private client Sue Adams was commended, as was consultant Paul Causton.

The firm was specially recognised for education, headed by John Andrews, supported by Peter Rolph and Tim Stone.

Partner John Andrews received special recognition for his work in private client, education, court of protection litigation and inheritance disputes.

Chairman Tim Stone said: “The rankings are the result of a collective team effort from across the entire firm and reflect the enormous passion and commitment that everyone puts in, day after day, in ensuring that we look after the very best interests of our clients.”