Dorset law firm Blanchards Bailey has secured rankings across six areas of law in the Legal 500 UK 2027 guide, alongside three of its lawyers being recognised as regional leading experts in their specialism.
The rankings recognise expertise across services supporting individuals, families, landowners and businesses, with the firm ranked for Contentious Trusts & Probate, Agriculture & Estates, Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate, Commercial Property, Commercial Litigation and Family Law.
Published annually, the Legal 500 is a leading independent directory that evaluates and ranks law firms. Rather than being based simply on entries or nominations, its rankings draw on evidence including work undertaken by firms, market research and feedback from clients and other professionals.
Firms and leading individuals are assessed against others operating within the same practice area with only the very best being ranked.
In the 2027 edition of the Legal 500 Blanchards Bailey’s experts in Contentious Trusts & Probate and Family law have been ranked in the South-West category, with teams in Agriculture & Estates, Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate, Commercial Property and Commercial Litigation being ranked in Dorset, Devon & Cornwall.
Managing Partner Paul Dunlop is individually recognised as a Leading Partner, acknowledging him as one of the strongest in his field for leading complex, market-defining cases. Paul said of the results:
“Recognition from Legal 500 is particularly meaningful because it looks beyond what a firm says about itself. The analysis undertaken by the Legal 500 researchers considers the work being carried out by our teams alongside independent feedback from the clients and organisations who work with us.
“For Blanchards Bailey, these results reflect the breadth of expertise we have developed here in Dorset. Whether we are advising a family through a difficult dispute, helping someone plan for their future, supporting a rural business or working alongside a commercial client, our focus remains the same: combining specialist advice with a clear, personal and practical service.”
Lucy Mignot, who heads the firm’s Contentious Trusts & Probate practice, is recognised as a Next Generation Partner, while Wingwai Tam is named a Leading Associate in the same field.
Lucy said of her and her team’s recognition:
“Disputes involving Wills, trusts and estates require sharp attention to detail, forensic analysis of the evidence, and understanding what makes people tick, all while maintaining a sensitive approach in very personal circumstances.
“To see the team recognised, alongside individual recognition for colleagues within it, is something we are extremely proud of. It reflects the expertise of the team, but also the care and judgement required to help guide clients through these situations.”
The independent Legal 500 researchers gather client testimonials firsthand, and this year they have attested to the team’s ability work well together and involve expertise from all of their firm when required.
The rankings also recognise the depth of Blanchards Bailey’s work across property, rural affairs and private client services.
Sarah Dunlop, head of the firm’s Agricultural and Commercial Property department, said:
“The reality of our farming and business owning clients mean that they increasingly need advice across multiple disciplines. For the agricultural and business sector, this often means support in respect of not only property, trusts and succession matters but also employment family and commercial law. Having experienced lawyers working together within one firm is an important part of the service we proudly provide.”
Independent testimonial gathered by Legal 500 researchers said of the firm: “All members of the team are extremely helpful, polite, and considerate. It is a pleasure to deal with them all.”
Blanchards Bailey advises individuals and businesses from its offices in Blandford Forum, Shaftesbury, Dorchester and Weymouth.
With around 100 members any business in Dorset can join Dorchester Chamber from business for £60p/a (no VAT).
