Top Twenty Planning Survey Ranking for Clarke Willmott

National law firm Clarke Willmott LLP has jumped into a top 20 position in the prestigious Planning Law Survey 2022 of the highest-rated planning law firms in the UK. 

The firm, which has seven offices across the country including Manchester, climbed eight places in the last year and is now ranked at number 13 in the annual survey.  

The team provides expert advice on the full range of contentious and non-contentious planning and environmental law issues across England and Wales, in all industry sectors. 

Neil Baker, partner and head of Clarke Wilmott’s planning and environment team, said the firm was delighted to have made such a strong showing in the poll. 

“Being named among the leading planning law firms and planning lawyers, is testament to the hard work and experience of the team and speaks to our strength in the planning market,” he said. 

“Acknowledgement from key figures in the industry reflects the extent of our expertise and reputation and is as proud achievement for Clarke Willmott as a whole.” 

The result follows the recent arrival of Marianne Baker as a partner in the firm’s expanding planning and environmental team, which acts primarily in London and the South East.  

“Marianne brings 20 years’ experience in contentious and non-contentious planning law, working with clients on building their businesses and unlocking potential roadblocks,” adds Neil Baker. 

“She has brought a reputation as a solution-focused practitioner, with a sound understanding of the political framework in London, which plays a key role in decision making, and joins an experienced, established team that works together seamlessly.” 

In the past year, the department has also promoted Laura Urch, who specialises in planning appeals and rights of way issues, to senior associate, and Alice Sydney to qualify into the team as a solicitor. 

Clarke Willmott’s planning and environment team is currently ranked in Legal 500 as Tier 2, with Neil Baker in the ‘Hall of Fame’ and Caroline Waller and Chris Charlton both listed as ‘key lawyers.’ The team is also currently ranked in Chambers and Partners as Band 2, with Neil Baker and Caroline Waller individually ranked as Band 1 and Chris Charlton as Band 2. 

Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton, and Taunton.

For more information visit www.clarkewillmott.com