We are delighted to share that Nockolds has once again been recognised in the highly regarded Legal 500 UK 2026 edition.
This year, we are proud to be ranked as a top tier firm for our work in Clinical Negligence, alongside recommendations in seven further practice areas.
We are especially pleased to see our Corporate and Commercial Team ranked in Tier 3, having previously been listed as ‘One to Watch’. In addition, both our Commercial Property and Commercial Litigation Teams have moved up to Tier 3, following their previous Tier 4 rankings.
A particular highlight is the recognition of Gemma Dudmish, Senior Associate in our Contentious Trusts and Probate Team, who has been named a Leading Associate. This accolade is reserved for associates who play a central role in their teams’ key matters and are recognised by peers and clients alike as exceptional practitioners.
For 38 years, The Legal 500 has conducted in-depth, independent research to provide a comprehensive picture of the legal market. We are proud that Nockolds continues to be highly regarded in this respected guide.
Darren Hayward, Managing Partner at Nockolds, commented: “We are extremely proud to have, yet again, been recognised as a leading law firm in the UK and be included in so many practice areas in this years Legal 500. This recognition demonstrates the depth of legal expertise we have across the firm and since the Legal 500 is based on feedback and testimonials from clients we are delighted that we are continuing to provide the very highest level of service and legal advice to our clients.”
Clinical Negligence: Claimant (Tier 1)
Legal 500 Editorial commentary – Nockolds Solicitors is lauded as ‘second to none’ for its advice to clients facing catastrophic birth, brain and spinal injuries, regularly securing high-value settlements.
When disaster strikes for you or your family, Nockolds’ medical negligence team really are second to none. The team have been incredible from our first meeting‘
Recommended Lawyers: Jennie Jones and Nikki Ealey
Personal Injury: Claimant (Tier 2)
Independent testimonials – Nockolds has a gifted and streamlined team of personal injury practitioners. They are able to provide a bespoke service to each client with a focus on significant and high-value cases.’
‘My experience of Nockolds has been that they are very thorough and consider cases carefully at an early stage, which is effective in stopping problems arising later. They also have very good client care.’
Recommended Lawyers: Jennie Jones and Nikki Ealey
Employment (Tier 2)
Legal 500 Editorial commentary – Noted as ‘leaders in their respective fields’, team heads Darren Hayward and Gary Smith head the ’very knowledgeable and efficient’ Bishop’s Stortford-based employment practice at Nockolds Solicitors. The group frequently represents both employers and employees in the full gamut of employment matters, specialising in corporate restructures, redundancies, TUPE matters, business sales and purchases, and employment law training.
‘The firm has cultivated a culture that prioritises client satisfaction, continuous improvement, and cutting-edge solutions. The team is composed of highly skilled professionals who bring diverse perspectives and expertise, ensuring comprehensive and tailored services for each client.’
Recommended Lawyers: Darren Hayward, Gary Smith and Joanna Sutton
Contentious Trusts & Probate (Tier 2)
Legal 500 Editorial commentary – Praised as ‘skilled specialist lawyers who provide up-to-date and efficient legal advice’, Nockolds Solicitors’ practice is spearheaded by Sarah Lockyer. Michael Henry is noted for his experience in burial disputes, executor role disputes, and claims under the 1975 Inheritance Act, while Gemma Dudmish handles matters surrounding will validity.
‘The contentious team at Nockolds comprises skilled specialist lawyers who provide up-to-date and efficient legal advice.’
Leading Associate: Gemma Dudmish
Recommended Lawyers: Andrew Jenkins and Michael Henry
Family (Tier 2)
Legal 500 Editorial commentary – Lauded as a ‘strong team with good depth’, Nockolds Solicitors maintains a strong regional reputation in complex children and financial matters, leveraging the strength of its Spanish office to extend their reach internationally.
‘Strong team with good depth in the Bishop’s Stortford office.’
Recommended Lawyers: Lynn Cowley, Karen Pritchard, Jenna Brewer, Jasmine Rudder and Adam Dunkley
Commercial Litigation (Tier 3)
Legal 500 Editorial commentary – Credited for its ‘honesty, transparency, and integrity’, the team routinely handles litigation matters across the consumer goods, insurance, financial services, retail, and construction sectors.
‘The firm are tight knit and work very efficiently together. Their client care is exceptional and they are able to recognise the need for collaborative working to ensure that a client’s needs a fully met.’
Recommended Lawyers: Lucy Slatter and Alex Haddad
Corporate and Commercial (Tier 3)
Legal 500 Editorial commentary – Praised as ‘knowledgeable and competent from top to bottom’, Nockolds Solicitors is well-versed in mergers, acquisitions, and disposals across the insurance, professional services, and manufacturing sectors.
What makes this legal practice truly unique is its unwavering commitment to client success and an exceptional ability to tailor strategies to meet individual needs. The team demonstrated a remarkable blend of deep expertise and a highly personalised approach, ensuring that as a client we felt valued and understood throughout the process.’
Recommended Lawyers: James Brunton and Nicola Lindop
Commercial Property (Tier 3)
Legal 500 Editorial commentary – Solicitors’ commercial property department acts for key clients across a broad spectrum of industry sectors on the full suite of real estate matters, housing a team with particular expertise in leasehold enfranchisement and the Building Safety Act.
Recommended Lawyers: James Griffiths
For the full analysis, please visit the Legal 500 website.