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Porter Dodson recognised in The Legal 500 2026 Rankings

Written by Porter Dodson | 02-Oct-2025 14:55:19

Porter Dodson is proud to announce its continued recognition in the prestigious Legal 500 United Kingdom 2026 guide. The firm has been ranked across multiple practice areas, reflecting our unwavering commitment to excellence, client service, and legal expertise.

We are especially delighted to celebrate Evelyn Adfield, Partner and Head of the Corporate Commercial team, who has been named a Leading Partner for the first time. This accolade highlights Evelyn’s outstanding legal acumen, professionalism, and dedication to clients across the South West.

Evelyn is commended for her supportive yet challenging approach, technical expertise, and ability to communicate complex legal matters with clarity. Her recognition is a testament to years of exceptional service and leadership in corporate and commercial law, particularly in M&A, joint ventures, shareholder agreements, and reorganisations.

In this year’s guide, Porter Dodson has been ranked in the following categories:

  • Corporate and Commercial – (Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire), (Dorset, Devon and Cornwall)

Leading Lawyer: Evelyn Adfield
Key Lawyers: David Culshaw

  • Employment – (Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire)

Key lawyers: Sarah Young, Laura Roper, Kate Shawcross

  • Agriculture and Estates

Key lawyers: Steve Farnham, Ben Hingley, Tom Mottram, Gemma Lindegaard

  • Contentious Trusts and Probate

Key Lawyers: Chris Green

  • Family

Key Lawyers: Richard Baker, Rebecca Marshall, Zoe Gaitskell, Ellen Saunders, Lucy Brown

  • Commercial Property - (Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire)

Key Lawyers: Ben Hingley, Victoria Walker, Louise Sanders, Gemma Lindegaard, Michelle Mallon, Steve Farnham.

  • Private Client – Personal tax, trusts and probate

Key Lawyers: Sharon Collier, Kate James, Tom Mottram, Paul Watkins, Chris Dickinson, Susannah Emson, Sarah Stone.

Managing Partner, Kate James, commented, "We are delighted to see our teams recognised once again in The Legal 500. These rankings are a testament to the dedication, expertise, and client-focused approach of our people across the firm. We thank our clients for their continued trust and support."

The Legal 500 rankings are based on independent research, including client feedback, case studies, and interviews with leading lawyers across the UK. Porter Dodson’s inclusion reflects its strong reputation and consistent delivery of high-quality legal services.

For more information view our profile on The Legal 500.