“Superior service” law firm Keystone has been recognised in The Legal 500 in a range of areas, including two in which it has not previously been acknowledged. The company improved in tier position and received outstanding feedback in the process. Overall, the firm was commended for its “excellent all round service” and “high level of industry knowledge.”

This year Keystone has received industry praise in a total of 11 different categories The Legal 500, which is published annually and offers peer and client reviews for law firms.

The growing M&A team, with new additions Dee Sian from Marriot Harrison LLP and Andrew Stilton from SGH Martineau LLP, was ranked for transactions up to £50 million. Mark Machray was singled out for being “responsive”, ‘intelligent‘, and taking a “common sense approach”.

David Cohen was named as an elite practitioner for his work on Employment Share Schemes, while the Employment team (employers and senior executives) was also ranked, having been strengthened with new arrivals William Addis from Brachers, Stephen Levinson from RadcliffesLeBrasseur, and David Fenton from Statham Gill Davies. David Jepps was singled out as a key name within the team.

The Commercial Property department had an impressive review, described “As good as the best blue-chip firms with a superior service from partners” with three lawyers receiving impressive individual feedback: the “amazing” Lara Cole, the “very precise” Graham Goldspink, and Shayne Foley being recognised for his “commercial understanding”.

Helen Loose was described as “prompt and technically” able, as part of the Environment team which recently advised the ESA on waste legislation. In Planning, both Martin Goodall and the “astute tactician” Ben Garbett were applauded for their work on highways, compulsory purchase matters and public inquiries.

Sports, Partnership and Commercial litigation all garnered a mention, while the Aviation and Travel category, Keystone was highlighted for work with clients such as Delta Airlines and IATA. Alex Ferrari and Trevor Sears were both “recommended”, while Trevor was described as “very client focused” with a “friendly approach” and was also cited for fast response times.

James Knight, Managing Director of Keystone Law, commented: “It is tremendous to see Keystone being recognised in so many areas, this is testament to the fantastic progress Keystone has made over the past year. We really appreciate the time taken by clients and contacts to respond to The Legal 500 researchers.