Swindon law firm partner named ‘leading individual’

Chris Felton, partner at Gardner Leader, received the accolade in the Legal 500 Guide, which highlights top law firms in the UK.

Mr Felton, partner in the dispute resolution and life sciences teams, and board member, said: "It’s a great honour to have been recognised as a leading individual for a 10th year.

"I have been a part of the Gardner Leader family for nearly 30 years, it’s a brilliant firm to be a part of, this year’s rankings showcase the incredible hard work of every member of the team."

Gardner Leader has offices in Newbury, Thatcham, and Maidenhead, and has expanded to Swindon, Oxford, London, and Windsor over the last 10 years.

The firm received praise for its "ability to adapt" and its "excellent technical skills," as well as its "well balanced and sensible advice".

It was also recognised for its "universally knowledgeable, determined, persistent, and effective approach".

For the fifth consecutive year, Gardner Leader retained its top-tier ranking for its personal tax, trusts, and probate private client work.

It received recommendations across 12 practice areas, including corporate and commercial, commercial litigation, employment, commercial property and property litigation, personal injury, and clinical negligence.

This came alongside recognition for its charities and not-for-profit, family, and contentious trust and probate work.

A total of 32 of the firm’s team received individual recognition, with five solicitors retaining special mentions.

These include partner and head of both the dispute resolution and charity teams, Alastair Goggins, who was named a ‘leading individual’ for the ninth time.

Alastair Goggins, partner and head of both the dispute resolution and charity teams (Image: Gardner Leader) Michelle Di Gioia, partner in the dispute resolution team and board member, also received the same award.

Michelle Di Gioia, partner in the dispute resolution team and board member (Image: Gardner Leader) Real estate senior associate, Tim Blackman, was named a ‘leading associate’ having been mentioned as a ‘rising star’ last year, and partner in the wills, probate, and estate planning team, Niamh Minihane, was recognised for the fourth year as a ‘next generation partner'.

Tim Blackman, real estate senior associate (Image: Gardner Leader) Niamh Minihane, partner in the wills, probate, and estate planning team (Image: Gardner Leader) Derek Rodgers, managing partner at Gardner Leader, said: "The Legal 500 is highly prestigious, and something we are very proud of being included in.

"As a firm, we strive to provide expert legal advice and peace of mind to our clients, and this year’s far-reaching recognition shows that we are succeeding in delivering on this.

"As we grow, we are continuing to expand on our knowledge and experience across all practice areas."