HM3 Legal celebrates recognition in The Legal 500 UK 2027
Five North West practice areas recognised for technical excellence, commercial thinking and an exceptional client experience
The latest Legal 500 UK directory results are in and HM3 Legal has more reasons than ever to celebrate. A record number of our departments have been recommended in the 2027 edition, supported by outstanding and honest client testimonials, along with significant individual accolades for several of our lawyers.
We would like to thank our clients and contributors who have provided honest comments and feedback about our legal professionals and level of service. Without you this legal recognition would not be possible.
Across corporate and commercial law, commercial property, dispute resolution, family law and employment law, the results recognise what clients experience every day: technically strong advice, clear communication and a practical focus on the outcome that matters. They also reflect the contribution of colleagues across our Chester and Liverpool offices, whose expertise, energy and teamwork continue to move the firm forward.
For businesses, organisations and individuals looking for trusted legal advisers in the North West, the rankings offer independent recognition of the depth and breadth of HM3 Legal’s services. For talented lawyers and business professionals considering their next career move, they tell an equally important story: one of ambition, collaboration and growing opportunities.
Commercial Litigation named a Firm to Watch
Our Commercial Litigation team has been recognised as a Legal 500 Firm to Watch, with Melissa Worth and Johanna Smallman both cited. The team handles complex contractual, shareholder and professional negligence disputes, helping clients protect their position while staying focused on wider commercial objectives.
Led by Melissa Worth, the practice is known for handling fact-heavy commercial claims. Johanna Smallman is noted for her work on insurance coverage disputes. Together, they bring technical depth, strategic thinking and an accessible, partner-led approach to challenging situations.
The directory feedback captures what differentiates the team: a “pragmatic, commercially focused approach and strong technical capability”, combined with clear, strategic advice and realistic assessments of risk and prospects. Clients also value the ability to translate complex issues into straightforward, actionable guidance, as well as proactive communication and flexible, solution-driven matter management.
Melissa and Johanna are praised for balancing technical ability with a highly personable style. Their focus on outcomes, collaboration and the broader commercial context gives clients confidence when the stakes are high, making this growing team one to watch.
What the Legal 500 2027 rankings mean for clients
Why does legal directory recognition matter? Legal directory rankings matter because they are informed by detailed research, including feedback from the people who use legal services. Across this year’s results, five strong themes repeat:
1. Timely responses.
2. Senior involvement.
3. Commercial awareness.
4. Clear explanations.
5. A genuine commitment to client outcomes.
Those qualities are relevant whether you are completing a transaction, managing property, resolving a dispute, supporting employees, managing change, or navigating a complex family matter. Clients want advisers who understand the law and the real-world pressures behind the instruction. HM3 Legal’s 2027 results recognise teams that listen carefully, communicate plainly and tailor their approach to the client’s priorities.
The breadth of recognition also means clients can access joined-up support across multiple legal disciplines. A business acquisition may involve corporate, commercial property and employment advice. A shareholder dispute may demand both rigorous litigation strategy and a clear understanding of the commercial relationship. By working collaboratively, our teams can help clients see the whole picture.
Commercial Property returns to Tier 3
HM3 Legal’s Commercial Property team has been reinstated in Tier 3 for Commercial Property: Elsewhere in the North West.
It is a particularly welcome result after the team’s determined work on its submission and follows its absence from the rankings in the previous year.
The group regularly advises on pension scheme property matters, sales and acquisitions, and portfolio management. Practice co-heads Caroline Jones and Ian Millington combine broad experience across lending, acquisitions, disposals, and landlord and tenant work.
John Morshead and James Cullen are also recognised as key practitioners.
That expertise is matched by responsiveness.
One testimonial praises the team’s “great contact response”, highlighting “always timely action and replies to jobs and queries”. Another describes Ian Millington as a standout partner whose “wealth of knowledge, efficiency, and patience have been invaluable”.
Whether a client is acquiring a site, managing an estate or building a property portfolio, structuring lending or navigating an occupational property issue, the team’s focus is simple: provide clear advice, maintain momentum and help clients make informed commercial decisions.
Family Law team promoted to Tier 3
The Family Law team has climbed from Tier 4 to Tier 3.
This important promotion recognises its capability across a wide range of sensitive and complex matters. Elizabeth Hassall also retains her personal place in The Legal 500 Hall of Fame, an accolade reserved for lawyers who have received sustained recognition from clients for continued excellence.
Led by Elizabeth, the department advises on asset protection and complex children work. Dividing her time between Chester and Liverpool, she handles matters including:
- Schedule 1 Children Act financial claims
- pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements
- cohabitation agreements.
Emma Evans is another key member of the practice for children work.
When family circumstances change, legal expertise must be matched by empathy, honesty and dependable communication. Clients describe HM3 Legal’s service as “a completely refreshing approach”, noting that very little chasing is required because the team stays on the front foot throughout a case. Emma is singled out for “outstanding advice, honesty, and communication” and for remaining level-headed during difficult times.
The promotion reflects a team that combines careful legal analysis with practical guidance, helping clients understand their options and move forward with greater clarity.
Corporate & Commercial holds strong in Tier 2
HM3 Legal’s highest-ranked department remains in Tier 2 for Corporate and Commercial: Elsewhere in the North West.
Co-heads Anne Scheland and Rachael Piggott receive extensive recognition in the editorial, alongside major individual accolades: Anne is once again named a Leading Partner, while Rachael enters the lawyer tables as a Next Generation Partner for the first time.
The team advises a diverse client base through the full business lifecycle. Its corporate work includes:
- mainstream mergers and acquisitions
- private equity transactions
- joint ventures
- strategic reorganisations.
On the commercial side, the team supports core business and supply chain arrangements, from confidentiality and supply agreements to agency and distribution contracts.
Anne advises companies on employee incentive schemes, including EMI and growth share plans, and supports SMEs on complex transactions such as M&A. Rachael brings extensive commercial expertise in operational risk, procurement strategy, engineering and manufacturing processes, and complex supply chain arrangements.
Client feedback is direct and powerful: the team responds promptly, supports commercial decision-making and focuses on commercial solutions rather than unnecessary work. “Commercial acumen and solution-focused” is how another client sums up the service.
For decision-makers, that means legal advice designed not merely to identify risk, but to help the business move forward.
Employment Law team enters Tier 5
HM3 Legal’s Employment team is now ranked in Tier 5, with Justine Watkinson and Deana Phillips cited.
Working across Chester and Liverpool, the team provides ongoing HR and strategic employment advice to clients in sectors including charity, manufacturing and agriculture.
Justine heads the team and advises on both contentious and non-contentious matters. Deana also supports the employment aspects of corporate transactions, helping organisations manage people-related issues as part of wider business change.
The strongest endorsement comes from clients themselves.
One says HM3 Legal makes them feel as though they are the firm’s only client, praising the team’s excellent advice, strong employment law knowledge and ability to take stress away from the business. Clear billing from the outset adds certainty and builds trust.
Deana is also commended for responding quickly and communicating calmly when business matters are anything but calm. That combination of knowledge, accessibility and composure is central to the team’s approach: helping employers tackle immediate issues while making confident, sustainable decisions for their workforce and organisation.
A place for ambitious legal talent to thrive
These results are also a celebration of our people. Departmental promotions, new rankings and individual recognition do not happen in isolation. They are built on shared standards, thoughtful supervision, strong working relationships and the determination to deliver a consistently excellent service.
For prospective employees, HM3 Legal offers the chance to contribute to recognised work while developing alongside respected practitioners. The 2027 edition highlights established leaders, next-generation talent and teams on an upward trajectory. From a Hall of Fame family lawyer and a Leading Partner in corporate law to a newly recognised Next Generation Partner and a Commercial Litigation practice named a Firm to Watch.
That mix of experience and momentum creates an environment where people can learn, take responsibility and make a visible contribution. Just as importantly, the testimonials show a culture in which technical excellence sits alongside approachability, calm communication and practical problem-solving.
Looking ahead with confidence
A record number of recommended HM3 Legal departments makes The Legal 500 UK 2027 a milestone worth celebrating. Commercial Property’s return to Tier 3, Commercial Litigation’s Firm to Watch status, Family’s promotion to Tier 3, Corporate & Commercial’s continued Tier 2 position and Employment’s Tier 5 ranking demonstrate progress across the firm.
The individual accolades for Elizabeth Hassall, Anne Scheland and Rachael Piggott add further distinction. The recognition of Caroline Jones, Ian Millington, John Morshead, James Cullen, Melissa Worth, Johanna Smallman, Emma Evans, Justine Watkinson and Deana Phillips underlines the strength within each team.
Most of all, the client testimonials bring the rankings to life. They speak of advice that is responsive, calm, clear, commercial and focused on solutions. That is the standard we aim to deliver on every matter.
Co-Created with Nicole Boreham
Client Engagement Manager
Nicole combines a strong legal background with sharp commercial awareness and a motivation to build genuine long-term business relationships that bring commercial results. Having earned a law degree and built her career within HM3 Legal, she has developed extensive experience supporting clients and understands the importance of exceptional client care. Her goal is simple: to help people access legal support they need without unnecessary complication, cost or delay.
Need legal advice in Chester, Liverpool or across the North West?
Speak to HM3 Legal about how our recognised teams can support you, your family or your organisation.
Considering your next career move? Discover the opportunities to build your career with a growing firm where expertise, collaboration and client care are recognised.
These accolades reflect how everyone’s hard work, trust and support has contributed to this outstanding result.
Some of our legal services
Employment Law
Settlement agreements, contracts, Employment Tribunal support, disciplinary and discrimination.
Commercial Property
Buying and selling property and land, lease negotiations and investments.
Dispute Resolution
For businesses including shareholder disputes, and for individuals such as probate.
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