At a glance

VWV has been recognised in the Chambers & Partners 2027 legal directory with 64 rankings, including 16 team and 48 individual rankings, highlighting their expertise across various practice areas. Notable achievements include the Corporate team in Watford maintaining its top-tier status and the Bristol Family team moving up to Band 3, with several individual lawyers receiving new or improved rankings. These recognitions underscore VWV's strong legal capabilities and the quality of service provided by their teams.

VWV is delighted to be recognised in the Chambers & Partners 2027 legal directory, with 64 rankings across 16 teams and 48 individuals, including 12 top-tier placements. These results reflect the depth and quality of our expertise, with recognition across 16 practice areas and all four of our offices, including two improved team rankings.

Our Corporate team in Watford has once again been recognised as top-tier, with Emma Cameron’s individual ranking also moving into Band 1. Richard Philips continues to hold his Band 1 ranking, and Samantha Chaney has moved up to Band 2.

Emma Cameron, Partner and Head of the Corporate team, has said: “I am really pleased that the hard work and expertise of the team continues to be recognised, confirming that our Corporate team is a market leader.”

Our Bristol Family team has moved up to Band 3 this year. Katie Hanson has been recognised as ‘Up and Coming’, while Samantha Hickman continues to hold her top-tier ranking in this area, as well as a Band 1 ranking in Family & Matrimonial: Mediators.

Samantha Hickman commented on the rankings: “It is wonderful to see the Bristol Family team recognised again. This is a strong endorsement of the depth of expertise within the team and the consistently high-quality advice and support we provide to our clients. I am particularly delighted to see Katie recognised as ‘Up and Coming’, while receiving personal recognition as a Band 1 Family Mediator. Together, these rankings reflect both the strength of our established expertise and the talent coming through the team. I’m very proud of the progress we’ve made and remain focused on building on this momentum.”

In the 2027 guide VWV has received 48 individual lawyer rankings, which includes 16 new or improved rankings.

Our Real Estate team has received four new individual rankings for this year. Philip Sheppard and Alex Gillott have both been recognised for the first time, as ‘Associate to Watch’. David Power has been awarded Band 4 and Rowena Witter has been recognised as ‘Up and Coming’. Chloe Brunton also joins the rankings for the first time, gaining a Band 4 ranking for her work in the Education sector.

Editorial insight

Recognition in the Chambers & Partners legal directory is widely regarded as a benchmark of quality and client satisfaction within the legal sector. For firms operating across multiple regions and practice areas, these rankings can reinforce reputation among peers and clients, and may influence the selection process for complex or high-value matters. VWV's latest results reflect sustained performance across established teams, as well as progress in areas where rankings have improved.

For clients and referrers, such directory placements provide an independent measure of expertise at both team and individual level, particularly in competitive regional markets such as Watford and Bristol. While legal rankings are just one factor in client decision-making, they remain a useful indicator of a firm's standing within the profession and can support ongoing business development efforts.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Industry trend

VWV’s Rising Legal Stars and Their Impact on the Legal Profession

The recognition of new and improved individual rankings at VWV highlights emerging talent in the legal industry, reflecting broader trends of career progression and the importance of mentorship in law firms.

Target audience trade-industry Story potential 7/10 Research/data

How VWV’s Legal Practice Areas Stack Up in the 2027 Guide

An analysis of VWV's team rankings in the 2027 Chambers & Partners guide provides insights into the firm's strengths across various legal sectors and the evolution of their practice areas over time.

Target audience business-finance Story potential 6/10