Four solicitors at established regional Kent law firm Clarkson Wright & Jakes LLP have been recognised for their expertise by Chambers & Partners, the prestigious ‘UK Guide to the legal profession’. Partners John Bowden and Salim Somjee from the Company Commercial department attracted the attention of the editorial staff. In addition, the firm is named as a leading firm for medical partnership work.
Each year researchers from Chambers UK Guide to the legal profession conduct 10,000 in depth interviews with clients and lawyers “in order to judge the abilities of the leading practitioners and compile the rankings”. The citation for the employment department reads:-
“This Orpington practice is increasingly making its mark with such instructions as advising a large car dealership on the dismissal of a director for gross negligence. In addition, it has handled a number of tribunal cases for a large ready-made meals manufacturer; the caseload includes redundancy issues. Clients are attracted to its “extremely reasonable” fees and “outstanding local reputation. They are there to help us out of any tricky situation,” clients said.
For the company commercial department the following tribute was paid:-
This is a quality corporate outfit that is active in private company M&A, representing owner-managed businesses and banks. It is "very able to relate to our needs as a start-up," claimed one client, and "makes sure we get the most commercial solutions," asserted another. The "efficient, personable and professional" team has niche experience advising clients in the oil industry: "It is not afraid to get its hands dirty!"
Head of department, John Bowden won respect from interviewees because he "will protect his client and still get the deal done." He is a "confident, committed and commercial" operator with both corporate and commercial property expertise. Salim Somjee was the subject of sustained praise from clients; he is a "rising star" with "attitude, intelligence and charm."
