VWV receive 18 team rankings and 46 individual rankings in the Chambers & Partners 2026 legal directory
VWV are delighted to have been recognised in the Chambers & Partners 2026 legal directory, achieving 64 rankings across 18 teams and 46 individuals, including 12 top-tier placements.
This year’s results highlight the breadth and quality of the firm’s expertise, with recognition across 18 practice areas, including 3 new or improved team rankings. Notably, the Restructuring & Insolvency team in the South West has been ranked for the first time, while the Charities team has moved up to Band 2, reflecting VWV’s continued growth and commitment to development.
Laura Chesham, Partner and Head of the Charity Law and Governance team, commented on the improved ranking:
"I am delighted that we have been recognised by Chambers & Partners as a Band 2 firm for Charities - UK Wide. We are very proud of the work we carry out for our broad range of charity clients and the collaborative relationships we are able to build with them. It is fantastic to have our hard work and commitment to the sector recognised in this way."
The Real Estate team in the Thames Valley region has also been recognised for the first time, securing a top-tier ranking. Joe Kwok, Partner in Commercial Property team in Watford, commented on the new team ranking:
"I am delighted that the Commercial Property team in Watford has achieved the prestigious Band 1 ranking in the Chambers & Partners 2026 Guide for the Thames Valley region.
Achieving Band 1 status is not just a reflection of our technical expertise but also of the collaborative, client-focused approach that defines our team. We are all immensely proud of this recognition and remain committed to maintaining the exceptional standards that have earned us this accolade.
This milestone reinforces our position as a leading team in the region, and the team and I remain dedicated to supporting our clients in achieving their goals with the same level of passion and professionalism that has earned us this recognition."
Significant achievements:
- Charities: The team secured a Band 2 ranking, with Con Alexander maintaining his Band 1 ranking, and new recognition for Rachel Tonkin who has received a Band 4 placement.
- Corporate: The Watford team maintain their Band 1 ranking, with Richard Phillips and Nathan Guest also being recognised as top-tier in their areas.
- Education: The Independent Schools team retain Band 1 placement, with Barney Northover, Graham Shaw and Alice Reeve being awarded Band 2 rankings. Jane Byford enters the rankings for Higher and Further Education, being placed in Band 3.
- Family Law: Bindu Malkan is newly recognised within the Thames Valley region, securing a Band 4 placement. Samantha Hickman and Lucy Barr maintain their Band 1 and Band 2 rankings respectively.
- Healthcare: Ben Willis moves up to Band 1 within the Medical Partnership practice area, with the team maintaining their Band 1 ranking.
- Personal Injury: The Bristol Personal Injury team maintain their Band 1 ranking, with Jonathan Peacock securing Band 1 once again. Nicola Bickham has secured Band 3, with Dan Thompson being named as an 'Associate to Watch'.
- Real Estate: The Watford Real Estate team have been newly recognised, achieving a top-tier placement, with Joe Kwok securing a Band 4 ranking. Michelle Bendall maintains her Band 1 ranking, while Georgina Little and Daniel Hall are named as 'Up and Coming'.
