Legal 500 highlights professionalism and progression at Rollits

Sophie Wheeldon and James Peel

The rankings recognise Sophie Wheeldon in the Commercial Property team and James Peel, a specialist in data protection, FOI and IP, as Next Generation Partners.

It also names Neil Franklin, who joined Rollits in 1991 and is now head of the Agriculture sector team, to its Hall of Fame.

Managing Partner Ralph Gilbert,  said: “We recently celebrated the promotions of two trainee solicitors and welcomed three new trainees to the firm.

“They and other aspiring lawyers can take inspiration from our track record of developing talent and giving our people opportunities to progress and gain peer recognition through the UK Legal 500 and other recognised publications.”

The UK Legal 500 rankings are based on submissions, feedback from clients, and interviews with leading private practice peers.

Testimonials from clients praise Rollits lawyers for attributes including reliability, in-depth knowledge, courtesy, professionalism and clarity.

One client stated: "Rollits is a practice that feels local and connected to the business community but is also big enough to have a wide range of expertise to cover our needs when we ask for their support."

Another client added: "The people at the firm are key, with the strong culture and track record vital in obtaining new clients. They are a large team in the city that everybody has heard of."

Rollits’ Agriculture and Estates team is praised for its “honesty, punctuality and availability” in advising farmers, families, and estates in issues relating to farm business tenancies, diversification projects and other contentious and non-contentious matters.

In Corporate and Commercial the report finds a “friendly, honest and reliable” team which is sought out by a range of PLCs, privately-owned companies, LLPs and joint venture vehicles. Practice head John Flanagan is listed as a Leading Partner for his work on management buyouts and links between corporate work and education.

The Employment department is noted for its work for private and public sector employers and highlights the team’s “notable expertise in TUPE work, protected matters and issues involving the Equality Act”. Employment lead Ed Heppel is recognised for his significant corporate expertise and senior solicitor Lucy Trynka for her extensive advice on complex employment disputes.

In Commercial Property, Rollits is praised for its “excellent technical knowledge”, handling matters including title reviews, license and lease negotiations, in addition to corporate deals and secured lending issues.

Majority and minority shareholder disputes, construction claims, and commercial contract disputes are all identified as areas of strength for the Commercial Litigation team, which is described by one client as “easily a match for the magic circle firms in London”. 

Chris Drinkall is noted for his handling of dilapidations claims and rights of way disputes and “Leading Partner” Ralph Gilbert for excelling with cases that combine commercial and property disputes. Caroline Hardcastle is described as a “first-rate litigator”.

The Charities team headed by Gerry Morrison, is acknowledged for its strength in sectors including sports, education, and heritage. Gerry and senior solicitor Harriet Wheeldon are praised by clients for their personal approach: “The team make you feel like you're the only client that they are dealing with.”

In the Family team, the report highlights Alison Benson’s expertise in financial remedy work involving family run businesses, farming matters, and a growing specialism in pre-nuptial agreements.

The Education sector team is seen as a “broad team of specialists” with clients including FE Colleges, multi-academy trusts and private training providers offering a wide range of services from academy conversions to IP portfolio protection.  James Peel stands out for his advice on issues including data protection and FOI compliance, and Ralph Gilbert is lauded as a “superb professional”.

Food manufacturing and charity concerns are prominent in the firm’s IP client base. Practice head Keith Benton and key practitioner James Peel covers a range of matters, including the implementation of IP and brand protection strategies, trade mark and design prosecution work and IP related technology arrangements.

Keith is also the key contact in the IT and Telecoms team which acts for public and private clients, primarily across the education and charities sectors.  James Peel provides advice on website terms and conditions and compliance with data protection laws.

Ralph added: "This recognition is a direct result of the hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent of our team. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality legal advice and support, maintaining our high standards and continuing to support clients across all sectors.”