The Legal 500, a leading UK legal directory, has announced its results for 2026. B P Collins is delighted to share that it has achieved its highest number of top tier rankings for several practice areas and individual lawyers this year, with the commercial property and family teams newly ranked as tier 1 practices. The commercial litigation, employment and private client practices continue to retain their tier 1 rankings, being in this position for eight years running.
New tier 1 recognitions for 2026
The commercial property practice, led by partner, Alison Taylor, is ranked in tier 1 for the first time, coming soon after its recent recognition as ‘Property Legal Team of the Year’ at the Thames Valley Property Awards. According to Legal 500:
“B P Collins houses a ‘responsive, attentive and experienced’ team of commercial property experts that boasts an impressive client roster, including companies in the environmental, investment, creative, retail, leisure, development, and mining industries. One client noted that it is, “an efficient and very helpful team…who provides an excellent service.”
Meanwhile, the newly ranked tier 1 family team is praised for its ‘unparalleled service’, and is well-equipped to handle matters involving domestic abuse, behavioural issues, pre and post-nuptial matters, co-habitation, and high conflict divorces. After speaking to a client, the directory reports that:
‘B P Collins is a top tier family law firm…always thinking one step ahead. The team are knowledgeable, give excellent and realistic advice but will also strive to achieve great outcomes in and outside court. I have found the team a pleasure to work with. They are devoted and sensitive to the needs of all of their clients.’
All practices ranked
The corporate and commercial, contentious trusts and probate, insolvency and corporate recovery, business immigration, environment, property litigation, crime, fraud and licencing practices all continue to be highly ranked by the directory.
New individual rankings
Leading Partner
The Legal 500 has given one of its most prestigious titles of ‘Leading partner’ to two B P Collins lawyers in the dispute resolution team – practice group leader Matthew Brandis and partner, Simon Carroll.
Matthew Brandis, noted for his ‘litigation capabilities’ is regarded by one client as a lawyer who, “…navigates highly emotive contentious probate disputes with skill.”
Simon Carroll is known as a “seasoned solicitor-advocate, frequently appearing before courts and tribunals in high value commercial litigation cases,” with a client saying that he is a, “…great technical lawyer who works day and night for his clients.’
Leading associate
The Legal 500 reports that B P Collins’ family team has been strengthened by the arrival of ‘Leading associate,’ Javita Malhotra, who holds a strong reputation as a contact for vulnerable women. One client agrees saying that, she is,“…a very special family lawyer, who is friendly and kind to all, and able to deal with thorny legal issues whilst ensuring her client is always supported, knowing that Javita is fighting their corner.”
Recommended lawyers
The Legal 500 has recognised the following people as key lawyers for the first time – Nisha Shukla, property partner; Charlotte Braham, contentious probate senior associate; Jonothan Moss, principal lawyer; Rubin Italia, senior associate and Olivia Duncan, associate in the criminal team; Emma Eastwood, family associate; Shauna Everitt, solicitor, property litigation; Emma Hurrell, partner and Carol Harrigan, legal and trust assistant, private client.
Simon Deans, B P Collins’ senior partner, comments on the results:
“We’re incredibly proud of these achievements, which shine a light on the exceptional skill and commitment of our people. The acknowledgement reflects the way our teams consistently go above and beyond to deliver for clients, working together with focus and determination to provide solutions and help them achieve their goals. B P Collins’ culture of collaboration and excellence is evident in these results.”
