Steele Raymond has been ranked Top Tier in The Legal 500 (2026 Edition) for the 21st consecutive year. For businesses, developers and families across the South, this is more than a league table. It signals dependable legal judgement behind the region’s growth.
Across the last year, our teams have helped owners raise investment and complete exits, moved strategic land and complex developments forward, delivered social housing, and supported families with clear, practical advice. The focus has been the same throughout – anticipate obstacles early, protect value and keep momentum. We’ve also expanded our footprint with new offices in Southampton and Poundbury, aligning capacity to client demand across an industrious port city and a rural growth hub.
This year’s guide recognises eight Steele Raymond practice areas. Four are ranked Top Tier – Commercial Litigation, Commercial Property, Residential Development, and Corporate & Commercial. A further five teams are ranked strongly, including Contentious Trusts & Probate, Employment and Family.
Managing Partner Jennifer Rogerson said:
“This matters for the South. When a regional firm can match City calibre and keep projects moving, the impact is felt in companies growing, homes delivered and families supported. Being ranked Top Tier again reflects results on the ground and trust from clients and peers.”
The Legal 500 rankings are considered the most trusted, independent benchmark of legal excellence in the industry. They are not awards a firm can buy; rather, they are achieved through detailed research and client feedback. Maintaining an elite status for 21 consecutive years demonstrates an unwavering commitment to quality. With hundreds of law firms operating across the South Coast and wider region, this top tier ranking confirms that our consistent expertise and quality of service place us firmly among the region’s elite.
Chairman and Head of Corporate Tim Stone said:
“Our role is to see issues early, keep momentum and guide decisions that protect value. Whether it is a sale, funding round or group restructure, clients choose us because of our extensive market experience and ability to bring clear commercial direction at the right time. It is ultimately our fantastic clients and amazing teams that enable us to celebrate this success.”
Head of Residential Development Emma Stainwright added:
“Development succeeds when legal, planning and funding move in step. We focus on anticipating pressure points so sites progress and homes reach delivery.”
Shared language gives our teams real momentum. From Associates Day to firm-wide book clubs, people learn together, talk openly about pressure and burnout, and turn ideas into practical changes that make daily work more sustainable.
Serious work, human rhythm. From Bournemouth and Southampton to Poundbury, our teams handle heavyweight matters, then step into sea air, green space and short commutes that keep heads clear and careers moving. If you want City level work with South Coast balance, this is where both can happen.
This transaction brings together long‑standing British distribution expertise and the scale of a European market leader.
Ranked Top Tier in The Legal 500 for the 21st year running, Steele Raymond gives businesses, developers and families across the South City calibre judgement with local commitment – helping deals complete, sites progress and families move forward while we protect value and keep momentum.
People often think about houses, savings and heirlooms but don’t have a plan for the photos that hold a thousand moments, the messages they want to keep, and the accounts that pay for daily life.
For landowners, farmers, parish councillors, and anyone who cares about keeping rural communities alive.
Steele Raymond’s new brand marks a clear moment of growth and ambition.
This growth comes from a deliberate focus on people, client relationships and selective expansion.
Protecting what matters most.
Your Estate. Your Family.
Your Peace of Mind
Shared language gives our teams real momentum. From Associates Day to firm-wide book clubs, people learn together, talk openly about pressure and burnout, and turn ideas into practical changes that make daily work more sustainable.
Serious work, human rhythm. From Bournemouth and Southampton to Poundbury, our teams handle heavyweight matters, then step into sea air, green space and short commutes that keep heads clear and careers moving. If you want City level work with South Coast balance, this is where both can happen.
This transaction brings together long‑standing British distribution expertise and the scale of a European market leader.
Ranked Top Tier in The Legal 500 for the 21st year running, Steele Raymond gives businesses, developers and families across the South City calibre judgement with local commitment – helping deals complete, sites progress and families move forward while we protect value and keep momentum.
People often think about houses, savings and heirlooms but don’t have a plan for the photos that hold a thousand moments, the messages they want to keep, and the accounts that pay for daily life.
For landowners, farmers, parish councillors, and anyone who cares about keeping rural communities alive.
Steele Raymond’s new brand marks a clear moment of growth and ambition.
This growth comes from a deliberate focus on people, client relationships and selective expansion.
Protecting what matters most.
Your Estate. Your Family.
Your Peace of Mind
