CWJ Ranked In Chambers and Partners 2025

We have once again been recognised by Chambers & Partners as a leading firm and 7 of our solicitors have been recognised as leaders in their field.

The Chambers and Partners Guide is one of the leading legal ranking systems in the UK and have been grading the best law firms and lawyers for over 25 years in order to make it easier for businesses to find a law firm that is right for them. A team of editors and researchers talk to lawyers and clients, conducting in-depth telephone interviews in order to establish which firms deserve to be ranked amongst the best; all based on unbiased research.

As one of Kent's largest law firms under one roof we are proud to have been recognised for our achievements in five disciplines: Corporate and Commercial Law, Employment, Family, Litigation and Personal Injury.

Family/Matrimonial - The South - Band 3 

What the Team is Known For

Clarkson Wright & Jakes is a well-known family law practice in Kent handling post-separation issues, including child arrangements and financial remedy matters. It is experienced in handling cases involving inherited wealth, businesses, pensions and property, providing advice to both mid and high net worth clients. The team is also instructed on other Children Act cases, including international child relocations.

Strengths

"They are very efficient, up to date and quick to respond to all my queries."

"It's an excellent team. They were very clear about all aspects of the divorce process and the advice they gave was reassuring."

"Communication was handled promptly, efficiently and with clarity. Their response time was excellent, as was the overall service."

Notable Practitioners

Claire Schneck heads the family law practice at Clarkson Wright & Jakes. She has experience advising on complex divorce cases involving inheritance matters and pensions, and is equally adept at handling proceedings brought under the Children Act. "Claire did a brilliant job for me in circumstances that were sometimes tricky. From the outset, she was clear and very focused on what needed to be done to resolve the matter." "Claire was very strong in every aspect of my divorce. She delivered upfront, concise and proactive advice throughout." "Claire gave excellent advice throughout my case and was very reassuring." "Claire is a seasoned family lawyer and knows how to progress a case sensibly whilst achieving a good outcome for her client." "Claire has been very knowledgeable and I have the upmost confidence in the advice she has given to me. I have been guided by her through every step of my divorce."

Personal Injury: Mainly Claimant - The South - Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Clarkson Wright & Jakes has a standout local offering in the South East, with the team advising claimants on a broad range of matters including traffic accidents and occupiers' and public liability claims. Cases handled by the team include multi-track head and spinal injury claims, as well as amputation cases. The firm is notable for its cooperation with the brain injury charity Headway.

Strengths

"An excellent firm. The team provides a really strong local service and particularly strong client service."

"Clarkson Wright proved to be an excellent team and are a great strength to each other."

"It's a very good firm. The group exercise good judgement and are very good with clients."

Notable Practitioners

David Greenhalgh has notable experience of road and workplace accident cases involving orthopaedic and neurological injury claims. "He's an excellent lawyer who really fights his client's corner and is deeply experienced." "David has great strength and compassion."

Alex Wormald has particular experience in catastrophic injury work. He offers expertise in brain injury and spinal cord injury cases, "Alex is great to have on your side. A really useful and beneficial team member to have." "He is consistently professional, responsive and attentive. Alex has a clear understanding of the broader implications of cases and offers strategic advice that aligns with clients' goals."

Litigation - The South - Band 4

What the Team is Known For

Clarkson Wright & Jakes often advises on corporate and insolvency-related disputes, including shareholder litigation and breaches of directors' duties. It also assists with contractual claims and professional negligence disputes.

Strengths

"The firm will go the extra mile to ensure more complex matters are dealt with in a professional and timely manner."

"The team have all been extremely friendly and helpful on what ever issue we have asked of them."

"They have a good understanding of our business, which helps with how they structure their advice."

"CWJ always keeps at least one eye on the commercial realities of litigation, and fights strategically to get the best commercial outcome.."

"The most impressive thing is that they are always available on the phone and very rarely do we need to leave messages."

Notable Practitioners

Amanda Mehlin joins the ranks having demonstrated noteworthy expertise in a variety of matters including insolvency disputes, agreement terminations and shareholder disputes. "Amanda demonstrated an exemplary standard of knowledge and service provided." "Amanda is an excellent leader of the team." "Amanda is very sharp and cuts through the waffle to find the points that matter." "Amanda Mehlin is focused, commercially-minded and has good judgement."

Employment - The South - Band 4

What the Team is Known For

Clarkson Wright & Jakes acts for both employers and employees in Employment Tribunal proceedings. It has further expertise in matters such as restructurings and transfers as well as HR corporate support for a range of employers. The team often acts for clients involved in the health and care sectors, including GP practices and charities.

Strengths

"Clarkson Wright & Jakes always has an expert on hand to help."

"Clarkson Wright & Jakes provides pragmatic solutions with clear concise advice and options."

"The Clarkson Wright & Jakes team provides quick informative responses."

Notable Practitioners

Laura Claridge assists employers and employees with a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Her work includes disciplinary proceedings, senior exits and tribunal claims. "Laura is knowledgeable, listens to us and understands our issues, and provides pragmatic solutions." "Laura is always on hand to help and respond in a timely fashion." "Laura is very professional and always gives clear advice." "Laura is a pleasure to work with."

Corporate/M&A: SME/Owner-managed Businesses - The South - Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Clarkson Wright & Jakes has a distinguished practice with an excellent track record in advising SMEs and owner-managed businesses on the full range of corporate law matters. The team possesses notable experience advising startups and emerging businesses through the full development cycle. Areas of particular sectoral expertise include the construction, healthcare, hospitality and technology fields.

Strengths

"The team are knowledgeable, responsive and clear. They ensure that client experience is the focus and provide their wealth of experience to assist a transaction."

"We're very happy with the service. CWJ are approachable yet very professional, and give clear and practical advice based on actual circumstances."

"The firm always maintained strong communication throughout the process. The team's experience with M&A transactions meant that they were able to deal with any queries quickly and efficiently."

"The firm always had answers very quickly, and the communication was superb.The team were very aware commercially."

"The firm is very strong on corporate and commercial matters. Handling complex and sophisticated matters is one of their strengths and they are very responsive."

Notable Practitioners

Andrew Wright offers significant experience and expertise in a wide range of corporate matters. He is experienced in M&A, private equity deals and joint ventures.

Head of corporate and commercial, Benjamin Madden is a leading lawyer in the market. He possesses expertise in an array of corporate matters including investments and acquisitions. "Ben is everything that a client needs with respect to transactional work. He has a wealth of knowledge, experience and ability which works in all situations and for all clients." "Benjamin provides an excellent service all round." "Ben is always responsive, great to work with and clearly knowledgeable. Clients get on with him really well."