Ellis Jones Solicitors wins Chambers UK 2026 recognition for excellence across multiple practice areas
Ellis Jones Solicitors has achieved fresh recognition in the Chambers UK Legal Guide 2026, marking another major milestone for the Dorset-based firm and its growing national reputation.
The firm earned rankings in three key practice areas — family law, litigation, and corporate/mergers & acquisitions for SME and owner-managed businesses. The announcement follows the firm’s inclusion in The Legal 500 earlier in October, making it the second time in a month Ellis Jones has featured among the UK’s top-rated law firms.
In total, five individual lawyers at the firm were singled out for distinction. Within the family department, partner Katie Taft and joint heads of department Sean McNally and Deborah Leask all received personal recognition.
Kate Brooks, head of employment and HR services, was named an Up and Coming lawyer, while senior associate Conor Maher was highlighted as an Associate to Watch.
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The latest honour follows Ellis Jones’ success in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide published in July, where it gained national praise for its private wealth services.
Managing partner Nigel Smith said the recognition reflected the firm’s consistent commitment to high professional standards. “Rankings in the prestigious Chambers UK Legal Guide, like The Legal 500, are greatly coveted within the legal sector,” he said. “They are based on rigorous research, including interviews and client testimonials, which represents the highest form of praise and independent endorsement.”
The Chambers UK Legal Guide, compiled by London-based Chambers and Partners, has been publishing legal rankings for more than 35 years. Each year, its researchers conduct over 285,000 interviews and surveys with clients and industry professionals to evaluate law firms’ performance across the country.
In the latest guide, Ellis Jones’ family team was described as “fearless in their approach of acting robustly when necessary to uphold and promote the interests of their client.”
The rankings also included high praise for individual lawyers. Katie Taft was called an “absolute star and a great all-rounder,” while Deborah Leask was recognised as “tenacious” and possessing “a very good eye for detail.” Sean McNally received commendation for combining “strong technical legal knowledge with excellent client care.”
The firm’s corporate and M&A practice was noted for its “strong commercial acumen, clear communication and pragmatic approach to legal advice.”
Meanwhile, the litigation team was described as an “impressive outfit” that “provides excellent, fast responses to urgent issues.”
Among the firm’s rising lawyers, Conor Maher was lauded as “fantastic,” while Kate Brooks was highlighted as “friendly, super-knowledgeable” and someone who “understands client issues and industry trends, and goes the extra mile to deliver sound, in-depth solutions.”
Ellis Jones employs 183 staff, including 23 partners, and operates from seven offices across Bournemouth, Dorchester, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage, Wimborne, and London.
The double recognition from both Chambers and The Legal 500 underscores the firm’s growing profile within the legal sector, particularly for its blend of regional expertise and national reach.
As the firm continues to expand, its leaders have attributed success to a culture focused on client service, professional excellence, and internal collaboration. “We are proud that our people’s hard work has been recognised again,” Mr Smith added. “These independent rankings are a testament to the strength and integrity of our teams across all areas of practice.”
For Ellis Jones, the Chambers UK ranking not only reflects consistent legal excellence but also cements its position as one of southern England’s leading full-service law firms.