The Legal 500 is an annual independent industry publication that recognises the expertise and experience of individual legal professionals and law firms throughout the UK.
The industry leading guide undertakes considerable research to identify the leading legal talent in the market. We are therefore incredibly proud to announce that several of our solicitors and departments have been recognised in the Legal 500 2023 edition.
We have included below the individuals and departments recognised in the guide and the comments made by the publication.
Employment Law
‘Although it is a very small team, Howells Solicitors punches above its weight, by virtue of its ability to provide a 'skilled and knowledgeable' service to claimants, as well as a growing number of respondents in employment litigation. The success of the practice can largely be attributed to 'empathetic and efficient' team head Gemma Bailey, who 'successfully manages the needs of clients whilst delivering a personalised service'.
James Watkins was also named as a Rising Star.
Feedback Received from Clients:
‘Howells has carved a niche as a strong claimant focused practice within South Wales.’
‘Howells’ communication, knowledge and expertise is second-to-none.’
‘They are approachable, down to earth and able to adapt to the individual needs of their diverse range of clients. A skilled and knowledgeable employment team.’
‘I have used Gemma Bailey personally as my solicitor and find her one of the most genuine, thoughtful humans I have come across. I have passed Gemma onto many potential clients (whistleblowers), and she has been the first point of contact for their employment issues, all of whom have stated how they have felt Gemma to be sincere in their discussions and not just there to charge them the earth.’
‘Gemma Bailey is a fabulous and experienced employment specialist. She successfully manages the needs of clients whilst delivering a personalised service. She adapts to ensure that the individual needs of her clients are met whilst ensuring the provision of exceptional quality advice.’
‘Gemma Bailey is empathetic, efficient and reasonable to deal with.’
Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence; Claimant in Wales
‘Led by Cardiff-based Susan Edwards, the ‘hardworking and client friendly’ team at Howells Solicitors is ‘well placed to get good results for clients’ across a wide range of personal injury matters, including those involving complex issues relating to causation and liability. Much of the work stems from local South Wales clients in the context of direct instructions as well as referrals. Edwards is singled out as ‘a safe pair of hands for any PI claim’.’
Practice head(s):
Susan Edwards
Other key lawyers:
Robert Bolt
Client Testimonials:
‘The team is hardworking and client friendly.’
‘Able to handle a wide range of personal injury matters, the experienced team is well placed to get good results for clients.’
‘They were so helpful, and nothing was too much trouble for them. They explained everything in a clear and concise way so you could understand every part of the claim.’
‘The team shows excellent attention to detail and provides good advice.’
‘The client-friendly Susan Edwards is hardworking and provides focused and detailed advice.’
‘Susan Edwards is so knowledgeable in her field. She is a safe pair of hands for any PI claim.’
‘Robert Bolt explained everything thoroughly throughout. Communication was great, very pleasant and helpful. Robert was very professional, clear and a pleasure to deal with.’
Contentious Trusts and Probate in Wales
‘Under the leadership of Laith Khatib, who is also able to draw upon a broader grounding in complex wills and lifetime trusts advisory work, Howells Solicitors‘ contentious probate team has a strong reputation in the South Wales market and consequently not only receives direct instructions, but also a substantial amount of referral work from local law firms. Particular areas of expertise for Khatib include claims under the Inheritance Act 1975, and will validity claims, including in the context of undue influence. The arrival in April 2021 of associate John Davies from Slater and Gordon enhances the firm’s capability in the area, particularly by dint of his higher rights of audience in the practice area.’
Practice head(s):
Laith Khatib
Other key lawyers:
John Davies
Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate in Wales
‘Howells Solicitors has a strong reputation across South Wales in the private client space and regularly receives referrals from financial advisers/law firms, as well as internally from the firm's growing personal injury offering. The scope of the work is broad and includes wealth preservation advice, will writing and probate administration, with the latter receiving a boost by the acquisition of a will bank from two law firms in the region. Team head Sarah Cash has vast experience in the area, particularly in the context of complex trusts and estate work. As well as contentious probate expertise, Laith Khatib also regularly acts for wealthy families in their estate planning, through the preparation of complex wills and lifetime trusts.’
Practice head(s):
Sarah Cash
Other key lawyers:
Laith Khatib; Hayley Rees-Jones
Director's Comments
Commenting on the overall success of the many individuals and departments named in this year's Legal 500, Mark Hobbs, managing director of Howells Solicitors said, “As I take great pride in doing so every year, on behalf of the entire team at Howells, I would like to congratulate all for their outstanding work and am delighted their efforts have been recognised in the Legal 500.”
Find Out More with Howells Solicitors
For more information on anybody mentioned above, please explore the Our People page at howellslegal.co.uk.
