Hamlins recognised as Leading Firm in Legal 500 2027 guide to UK Solicitors

Hamlins has maintained its status as a leading firm in the Legal 500 2027 guide to UK Solicitors.

This year’s guide recognises 27 members of our outstanding team, with 11 of our practice areas ranked, illustrative of the depth and breadth of the firm’s expertise and the quality of our team.

Partners Chris Hutchings, Kate Andrews, Martin Ochs and Matthew Pryke are again recognised as Leading Partners.

Partner and Head of our Employment practice, Penny Hunt, along with Partner and Head of our Media Disputes team, Ellen Gallagher, are also individually recognised again Next Generation Partners.

Managing Partner, Matthew Pryke, says:

“We are incredibly pleased that the firm and so many members of our outstanding team have been recognised again in this year’s guide. We are very proud of all the Hamlins team who enable us to collectively undertake such a broad range of work for our clients. It is also important to acknowledge the contribution of our clients and network who have taken the time to provide such positive feedback and for their ongoing support for which we are very grateful.”

Hamlins is listed in the following categories:

Media & Entertainment: Music
Leading partner / Practice head: Martin Ochs
Other key lawyers: Stuart Barry, Julian Bentley, Catherine Fehler, Harmony Kennedy, Michael Green, Kirsty Lawrence, Julian Turton
“Hamlins have a very strong music law team. They combine excellent legal knowledge with a real understanding of how the music business works in practice. I have worked with members of the music team for years and have always found them practical, responsive, and commercially minded. They are very strong when matters become complicated or sensitive; they appreciate the wider context. They are great people to work with.”

Reputation Management
Leading partner: Christopher Hutchings
Practice head & Next Generation Partner: Ellen Gallagher
Other key lawyers: Catherine Fehler, Mollie Jackson,  Lauren Twidale
“Heavily experienced in privacy claims, with particular expertise in phone hacking claims against newspaper groups. Well-resourced with well-trained associates and reliable partners.”

Hospitality & Leisure
Practice head: Ben Kilshaw
Other key lawyers: Martin Ochs
"Effective, user-friendly advice.”

M&A Smaller Deals, £10m to £100m
Practice head: Aselle Djumabaeva-Wood
Other key lawyers: Joss Alcraft

Property Litigation
Leading partner / Practice head: Kate Andrews
Other key lawyers: David Crockford, Chris Lee
“The property litigation team at Hamlins LLP goes way beyond the standard that any reasonable client could expect. As soon as the team accepts instructions, a force of nature rises up behind the client and propels their case forward until they arrive at their desired destination. Their service is impeccable. They are efficient, diligent, and comprehensive. Clients know exactly what is happening in their cases at every stage and feel fully supported throughout. The team's strategic approach is remarkable. They know the law inside out and deploy this expertise to the great advantage of every client. They are, undoubtedly, one of the best outfits in the market.”

Sport
Leading partner / Practice head: Matthew Pryke
Other ley lawyers: Katie Bentley, Marianna Foerg
“The team is exactly that - a team. They work brilliantly in sync, and they are very prompt and timely with communications and responses to communications. They are superbly talented individuals [… ] They made everything feel very easy to solve the matter at hand. Clear and open advice and feedback on the correct stages that need to be legally taken. Great experience.”

Commercial Property: Investment
Practice head: Mark Hurst
Other key lawyers: Joseph Holder, John Leasure, Ben Kilshaw, Kay Evans, Maya Kuchhadiya
“What distinguishes this commercial property investment team is their ability to combine responsiveness with clarity. They consistently work to tight deadlines without compromising on quality and are highly approachable throughout the process. A particular strength is their ability to explain complex legal issues in straightforward, accessible terms, enabling us to make informed decisions quickly and with confidence. Their title and lease reports are exceptionally well-structured and easy to navigate, providing a clear and comprehensive overview of each property. Importantly, these reports continue to add value long after completion—serving as a reliable reference point for our team months or even years later. Compared to other firms, this combination of efficiency, clarity, and long-term usability of their advice sets them apart.”

Intellectual Property: Trade Marks, Copyright and Design
Practice heads: Martin Ochs, Matthew Pryke
“The Hamlins team has been exceptionally professional throughout every matter they have handled for me, and I can honestly say I have never once worried while in their care. What sets the practice apart is the calibre of the people: there is a consistency of judgment and a quiet confidence across the team that you simply do not find at most firms. The practice combines genuinely strategic thinking with a level of integrity and respect for the client that is, in my experience, increasingly rare in the profession. Communication is clear, billing has been transparent, and the team collaborates seamlessly so that nothing falls between the cracks. As a client running multiple businesses across jurisdictions, what I value most is the feeling that my interests are being actively protected rather than simply administered — and that is what Hamlins delivers.”

Property Finance
Practice head: Aselle Djumabaeva-Wood
Other key lawyers: Joseph Holder
"The team stands out for its people and professionalism."

Employment: Senior Executives
Practice head & Next Generation Partner: Penny Hunt
“The empathy here is truly something special. Every person you encounter is genuinely kind and understanding, and beyond that warmth, the team is impressively quick, deeply knowledgeable, and completely trustworthy.”

Employment: Employers
Practice head: Penny Hunt
Firms to watch
 "Responsive, smart, pragmatic. Personal service, attention to detail, and an empathetic approach."
"Approachable, extremely knowledgeable, and with a genuine desire to help."
"The team all clearly loves working together, knows who to get involved when, and are all charming, friendly, and generally lovely. They collaborate wonderfully. They manage expectations and meet all the deadlines they set."