Howells Celebrates Continued Recognition in Leading Legal Rankings

Howells Solicitors is proud to announce its continued success in the prestigious Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners rankings, marking 11 consecutive years of recognition for excellence in legal practice across the UK.

These independent and impartial bodies evaluate law firms based on rigorous criteria including client feedback, interviews with leading solicitors and barristers, and detailed case reviews. Their rankings are a testament to the quality, dedication, and expertise of the Howells team.

Legal 500 Rankings

The Legal 500 is one of the UK’s most respected independent guides to the legal profession. It reviews and ranks law firms based on real client feedback, interviews with leading lawyers, and detailed analysis of the cases firms have handled.

Being ranked by The Legal 500 gives client’s peace of mind that they are working with a law firm recognised for excellence, professionalism, and results.

Family Law – Tier 2 ranking

The Family Law team at Howells is celebrated for its work on high-net-worth and sensitive cases.

• Sharon Lockwood is described as “exceptionally good”, known for her clarity and compassion in handling complex property matters.
• John Clegg is praised as an “excellent experienced matrimonial solicitor”, with strong expertise in financial remedy and Children Act cases.

Testimonials:

“I can wholeheartedly recommend Howells. They provide a highly professional person-centred service.”
“Sharon put me at ease, explaining everything very clearly.”

Clinical Negligence – Tier 3

Howells’ Clinical Negligence team is recognised for its breadth of expertise, from birth injuries and fatal accidents to Human Rights Act claims.

• Michelle Gyte, head of the practice, is applauded for her intelligence, negotiation skills, and unwavering client commitment.
• Jenna Kisala brings specialist knowledge in birth injuries and inquests, respectively.

Testimonials:

“Michelle Gyte is one of the best in Yorkshire!”
“Howells take on cases others wouldn’t even consider, enabling effective investigations from the inquest stage.”

Criminal Defence – Tier 3

The Criminal Defence team continues to be recognised for its robust representation and strategic case handling.

Chambers and Partners Rankings

Chambers and Partners is one of the most respected independent legal research companies in the world. Each year, they publish rankings of law firms and individual solicitors based on client feedback, interviews with legal professionals and detailed analysis of recent cases and outcomes.

Their research is thorough and impartial, making their rankings a trusted benchmark for legal excellence across the UK and globally.

Clinical Negligence – Tier 3

Chambers and Partners highlight Howells’ strength in handling complex clinical negligence cases, including spinal injuries, delayed diagnoses, and fatal claims:

“Howells has a noteworthy team offering a broad range of clinical negligence advice to clients, including related human rights claims. The team has further experience in claims concerning issues surrounding failures in hospital care, including severe birth injuries and delayed diagnoses. The firm also acts in spinal injury claims and fatal accidents and possesses significant experience in medical inquests.”

Testimonials:

“They are people of the people; they have the common touch but are very good lawyers.”

“The preparation of the cases are well executed, and they have good client management skills. In particular, the solicitors manage client expectations well.”

Michelle Gyte – Tier 3

For the second year running, Michell Gyte has ranked tier 3, and is commended for her bedside manner, intelligence, and client care:

“Michelle Gyte is well versed in cases arising from delayed diagnosis, birth injuries and fatal claims. She is additionally adept at spinal injury cases, including damage due to negligent surgery.”

Testimonials:

“Michelle is very well organised, highly intelligent and very good with clients.”

“Michelle is excellent in terms of bedside manner and looking after those clients who really need assistance.”

John Clegg – Tier 4

For the second year running, John Clegg is ranked in tier 4 and is noted for his personable approach and expertise in financial remedy and international Children Act matters:

“John Clegg of Howells handles all manner of family finance cases, including applications for financial remedy and those brought under TOLATA and Schedule 1. He also handles Children Act work including international matters.”

Testimonials:

“John is personable and clearly has a good rapport with clients. He has a good sense of humour and puts clients at ease.”

“John is experienced and is strong on financial remedy cases.”

With over a decade of consistent recognition, Howells continues to set the standard for legal excellence, client care, and community impact. These rankings reflect the firm’s unwavering commitment to justice and its clients.