bto reports impressive results in the latest legal directory rankings.
In the most recent edition of The Legal 500 Directory, bto has maintained its band 1 rankings in six practice areas including Commercial Property (Leisure & Hospitality), Health & Safety, Medical Negligence (defender), Personal Injury (defender), Professional Negligence and Social Housing.
bto’s significant presence in the insurance market has been reinforced by these top rankings: bto’s Health & Safety team, led by Criminal Solicitor Advocate Clare Bone, is distinguished by Chambers UK for being “extremely approachable and pragmatic with super connections to the stakeholders in casualty claims.” Chambers UK also acknowledges that Clare’s “specialist knowledge of criminal health and safety sets her apart from her peers.” bto’s Clinical Defence team is described by Chambers UK as “the pre-eminent clinical negligence team in Scotland” and is particularly recognised for its work at FAIs and GMC disciplinary proceedings with both Douglas Jessiman and Laura Donald being praised for their abilities. The firm’s Personal Injury team led by Catherine Currie is recognised by Chambers UK as being “solid, dependable and friendly” and The Legal 500 acknowledges that the head of bto’s highly regarded Professional Negligence team, Derek Allan, is “one of the leading lights in professional negligence work in Scotland.”
The Commercial Dispute Resolution team was again promoted within both legal directories and commended by Chambers UK, where it features in band 3, for being “proactive, technically sound and pragmatic.” Tony Jones, Solicitor Advocate, is ranked by Chambers UK as a ‘key individual’ in this category, whilst the Legal 500 describes him as an ‘impressive, imposing litigator who has grown into the role of leading big-ticket claims’. bto’s Intellectual Property offering, headed by Solicitor Advocate, Paul Motion, is listed for its work in contentious and non-contentions matters. Within dispute resolution - Debt Recovery, Grant Hunter’s team, which boasts an “enviable client base”, continues to impress with its band 2 ranking in the Legal 500.
Other highlights include bto’s Construction team, headed by accredited specialist Ann O’Connell, moving up a tier in The Legal 500 and securing a first time ranking in Chambers UK with clients appreciating its provision of an “excellent level of service and legal advice.” bto’s Employment team successfully climbed a tier in Chambers UK and accredited specialist Caroline Carr is singled out for her expertise in advising clients in the healthcare sector.
New rankings have also been secured in both legal directories. bto has done exceptionally well in joining the Education category in The Legal 500. Chambers UK published four new directory listings for bto including its Licensing team, led by the “really approachable” Nicolas McBride, which is viewed as “very good, with...impressive contacts.” Its Banking & Finance team, “following consistently glowing reports”, is admired for its ability to “supply clarity” and provide solutions. bto features for the first time in the Professional Discipline: UK Wide category and is highly praised for its approach, realistic guidance and the provision of “excellent value for money.”
Special mention should also be made of the firm’s “client-friendly” Commercial Property team where The Legal 500 reported its service and response times as “excellent” and Chambers UK congratulated its “good attention to detail”. Lastly, The Legal 500 applauds bto’s Renewable Energy team for acting “professionally, swiftly and correctly at all times, and (showing) great knowledge and expertise.”
Willie Young, bto’s Chairman, said: “We are delighted with our new rankings, in particular the encouraging comments we have received from clients. The fact that bto features in five new legal categories across the directories and that three of our partners have achieved rankings for the first time in Chambers UK is an added bonus.”
Posted: 31 October 2011