Chambers UK, one of the UK’s leading legal directories, has announced its results for 2026 with B P Collins LLP retaining strong rankings for its practices and lawyers, with more individuals and its criminal practice being recognised in Band 1 for the first time in three years. The firm’s corporate team is also ranked in the directory’s highest band for the tenth year running alongside the environment team for the 11th year in a row.
Band 1 practice rankings
B P Collins is delighted to learn its crime team has received a ‘Band 1’ ranking for the first time in three years, with one client explaining that, “The lawyers are highly regarded for their dedication and commitment to client service. They consistently go above and beyond expectations, providing responsive, pragmatic and solution-focused support.” Another adds, “They are meticulous in their preparation. Their client care is exceptional, ensuring that the client knows what’s going on and is supported every step of the way.”
B P Collins’ construction, corporate and environment teams all receive ‘Band 1’ rankings again, while family, employment, dispute resolution, real estate and real estate litigation practices retain their high rankings.
New individuals ranked
Rajiv Malhotra, dispute resolution partner who specialises in the construction sector, has been awarded a ‘Band 1’ ranking for the first time, reporting that, “…he is a great litigator, delivers excellent client service and is fabulous to work with.”
Steven Smith, also a dispute resolution partner who also advises clients in the construction industry, is now ranked as ‘Up and coming’ as he has, “…great commercial nous, which is balanced well with his measured and forthright approach.”
Rubin Italia, criminal senior associate is ranked for the first time, with Chambers UK saying that, “…his responsiveness, attention to detail and proactive communication reflect a client-first approach that inspires confidence and trust.”
Associate Olivia Duncan, also in the criminal team, is regarded as an ‘Associate to watch’ with one client reporting, that she is, “…is a fantastic solicitor. She is always thoroughly prepared, her client care is excellent and her command of the law and facts of each case is first class.”
Kathryn Fielder, employment partner continues to be ranked due in part to being, “… a pleasure to work with. She has keen attention to detail while always keeping in mind the bigger picture.”
Family partner, Laura Mortimer, has also been recognised thanks to excellent client feedback with one saying, “Laura is a highly skilled and effective family lawyer and is very humane and child-focused in her approach.”
Described as, “helpful and authoritative,” Elliott Brookes, partner and property disputes practice group leader, is now regarded as an ‘Up and coming’ lawyer in real estate litigation with one client saying, “he is extremely knowledgeable and very clear on what strategy we should deploy.”
Senior associate, Manjot Dhillon, also in the real estate litigation team, is ranked as an ‘Associate to watch’ for the first time. Her client firmly believes that she is a “superb litigator.”
Partner, Simon Carroll has been ranked in Insolvency and Restructuring for the first time following client feedback such as, “…he provided a service that went beyond our expectations. He quickly gained a full understanding and appreciation of our business challenges, delivering a focused and practical level of advice.”
Band 1 rankings
David Smellie, corporate and commercial partner; Alex Zachary, environment partner; Jo Davis, employment partner and Craig Williams, dispute resolution partner all retain their Band 1 rankings.
Other rankings
Other lawyers who continue to maintain their rankings are partner Matthew Brandis, head of dispute resolution, Simon Carroll and Steven Smith, dispute resolution partners; Alex Zachary and Simon Deans, corporate and commercial partners; property and environment partner, Alison Taylor; commercial property partner, Maria Mowberry and Emily Halley, property senior associate; Elliott Brookes, environment partner; Javita Malhotra, family partner. Jonathon Moss, principal lawyer in the criminal team and Craig Williams, dispute resolution partner who is recognised for his work in the environment sector.
Simon Deans, senior partner, explains what the rankings mean to the firm:
Being recognised in Chambers UK reflects more than industry recognition, it underscores the unwavering confidence our clients have in us and our dedication to delivering exceptional outcomes. For those we advise, these rankings represent reliability, expertise, and a steadfast focus on helping them achieve their objectives.
