Clients seeking specialist legal support across East Anglia can now draw on Holmes & Hills’ strongest-ever Chambers performance, with improved departmental rankings, a newly ranked practice area and increased recognition for individual lawyers.
The 2027 rankings give clients further independent assurance that the firm’s specialist teams combine technical expertise with commercially focused advice.
The standout result is the Planning Law Department’s new Band 1 ranking, giving planning professionals confidence that they are supported by one of the region’s leading teams on complex planning matters.
That recognition is reinforced by client feedback highlighting how the team’s “specialist planning expertise provides clear, reliable and legally sound advice that supports confident decision-making.”
Clients can access independently recognised expertise across four key practice areas:
For business owners and leadership teams, the Corporate and Commercial Department’s first Chambers ranking, entering directly at Band 2, provides additional assurance that they can access recognised advice for their corporate legal matters.
Clients described the newly ranked team as “very commercial in its approach”, with an “exceptional” depth and breadth of expertise.
The Construction Department achieved notable success, with Sam Bawden moving up to Band 2 and Lawrence Pearce securing a Band 3 ranking. Their recognition gives developers, contractors and subcontractors further confidence that they can access proven support when disputes threaten cashflow, project progress or commercial relationships.
Clients particularly value the team’s construction knowledge and its ability to understand complex detail while offering “strategic guidance and options”, helping them make informed decisions throughout a matter.
Within Planning Law, Steven Hopkins, Jo Lilliott and Michael Harman retain their Band 2 rankings, providing clients with access to established expertise on complex planning matters. Senior Associate, Sarah Hare’s, new recognition as an Associate to Watch also demonstrates the strength of the team’s emerging talent and its ability to support clients over the long term.
The individual feedback reflects that blend of technical and commercial support: Steven is recognised for bringing “a very clear, decisive mind to discussions”, while Sarah is described as “fast, knowledgeable and commercially savvy.”
Because Chambers base its rankings on extensive independent research, including interviews with clients, professional contacts and fellow legal professionals, the results offer prospective client's credible assurance about service quality, technical expertise and commercial judgement.
The strength of that feedback shows that clients value the firm’s ability to understand their objectives, provide clear advice and deliver practical outcomes across its specialist Departments and Divisions.
Commenting on the firm's latest success, Managing Partners Rebecca Mason and Steven Hopkins said:
"These rankings are a fantastic achievement and reflect the expertise, dedication and commitment of our people across the firm. To see Planning achieve a Band 1 ranking and celebrate several individual ranking improvements is particularly pleasing.
The feedback gathered by Chambers comes directly from clients and industry professionals, making this recognition especially meaningful. We would like to thank our clients for their continued trust and support and congratulate all those recognised in this year's rankings."
Chambers assesses firms and lawyers against the qualities clients rely on most: service, technical expertise, commercial awareness and market reputation. It’s rankings therefore provide a useful independent benchmark when choosing legal advisers.
For clients across East Anglia, the 2027 results mean greater access to independently recognised legal specialists.
Disclaimer
The content of this article is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal or other professional advice. The information given in this article is correct at the date of publication.
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