Shropshire legal eagles celebrate top plaudits
One of Shropshire’s leading law firms is celebrating a clutch of accolades in the prestigious annual Chambers UK Legal Guide rankings for 2025 – including two at the highest level.
FBC Manby Bowdler’s lawyers in Shrewsbury and Telford have received four individual rankings as well as band 2 accolades for the firm’s agriculture and rural affairs and family and matrimonial teams.
Leading the way were agricultural and rural affairs specialist Sarah Baugh and family and matrimonial expert Anne Thomson, who both achieved sought-after band 1 rankings.
FBC Manby Bowdler managing director Neil Lloyd said: “The Chambers rankings are some of the most prestigious accolades in the legal profession and it is fabulous to have so many of our lawyers and teams recognised this year.
“Special congratulations to Sarah and Anne – very few lawyers achieve a band 1 ranking so to have two in the same small area is remarkable. Both Anne and Sarah are real leaders within their specialisms, and we are very lucky to have them on the FBC Manby Bowdler team.”
Across its wider West Midlands offices, the firm also achieved band 2 rankings for its clinical negligence and personal injury teams and band 3 for its litigation team, as well as a further five individual rankings.
Sarah Baugh, a partner based in the Shrewsbury office, was described in client testimonials as “professional and approachable" and “an all-round good solicitor".
She advises landed estate clients and other landowners on their property and business assets, including succession and tax planning matters.
Anne Thomson, a partner based in the Telford office, is a leading family expert with experience in both financial remedy and Children Act proceedings. She regularly advises on complex cases involving property, land, farming and business assets, including inheritance and international elements.
Her testimonials included "Anne put me at ease during our first encounter, appraised my situation quickly and provided a strategy to find the best solution for my circumstances" and “Anne was amazing from start to finish, I trusted her with everything."
Sarah’s colleague in the agriculture and rural affairs team at Shrewsbury, Tom Devey, achieved a band 2 ranking, with a client testimonial saying: “Tom regularly works with my clients and they really appreciate his advice."
Phil Cowell, the lead partner in the family team at Telford, also achieved band 2 recognition. One client said: "Philip is very experienced and good at his job. He's realistic and doesn't take any prisoners."
The Chambers UK Guide 2025 rankings are based on independent, rigorous and in-depth research which assess law firms and individual lawyers across a range of categories, including technical legal ability, professional conduct, service to clients, commercial acumen, diligence and commitment.
More information and the full rankings are available here.
