Ashfords LLP remains one of the South West's leading law firms following the publication of The Legal 500

Legal 500 has ranked Ashfords as one of the leading law firms in the South West, stating that it 'operates at a very high level of service, knowledge and efficiency'. Overall, Ashfords has received rankings in forty six practice areas.

The firm, which has six offices located across the country, received top tier rankings for the following seven categories: Bloodstock (South West); Commercial Litigation (South West); Commercial Property (South West); Corporate and Commercial (South West); Employment (South West); Project Finance and PFI (South West); and Shipping (South West).

Ashfords' 'reach across the region, with an additional office in London, stands out, as does the breadth of its expertise'.

The firm moved up the rankings in the following seven areas: Contentious Trusts and Probate (South West); Crime - Fraud (South West); Employment - Bristol (South West); IT and Telecoms (South West); Local Government (London); Property Litigation (London); and Social Housing: Local Authorities and Registered Providers (London). Ashfords has also been ranked in Commercial Litigation (London), Environment (South West), EU and Competition and Mediators [Family].

Ashfords' presence in the London legal market has increased significantly over the past year. This growth is reflected in the following rankings for the firms London office: Commercial Litigation; Education: Schools; Family; Local Government; Property Litigation; and Venture Capital.

Andrew Perkins, 'a contractual disputes specialist' heads up the South West team, and Ian Daniells is 'recommended for his expertise in cross-border disputes'.

Ashfords' Commercial Property Team is highlighted for its 'friendly, timely, focused and professional service at reasonable cost'.

Leading individuals at the firm include Simon Rous (Corporate and Commercial) and David Pomeroy (Insolvency and Restructuring). Other individuals mentioned within the firm include: Angus Bauer, who 'impresses with his service'; Victoria Bonnet, who 'manages a strong team' that is 'willing to go the extra mile when a case needs it'; Helen Tucker, who is 'extremely thorough' and has 'a real practical understanding of how schools function'; and Charles Pallot, who has an 'in-depth industry knowledge'.

Commenting on the Legal 500 listing, Ashfords' partner and Joint CEO Mark Jury said: "The report reflects the hard work and efforts which have been put in over the past year by all of our teams. We are delighted to have remained in the top tier rankings and congratulate everyone on their dedication to making Ashfords a leading UK law firm."