National law firm Clarke Willmott has again been recognised at the highest level in the 2026 Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide.
The firm has been ranked in the top two bands in four areas in the latest edition of the guide, with the South West-based private wealth disputes team moving up to Band 2. The private wealth law team in Somerset keeps its Band 1 ranking while private wealth law in both Bristol and Manchester retain their Band 2 status.
Clarke Willmott’s UK-wide family and matrimonial law team – ranked for the first time in last year’s guide – also maintains its position in Band 5.
The prestigious guide named eight lawyers individually as leading practitioners in their field. Ranked in Band 1 are Taunton partner David Maddock and Bristol-based Bonita Walters.
One interviewed client said that David Maddock “has a true desire to collaborate with clients and other advisers so as to understand the issues and solutions.”
Regarding Bonita Walters, another commented that “from my initial conversation, Bonita was sympathetic, clear-headed and obviously well-placed to assist. She quickly understood both the substance of my case and the personal difficulty of my situation.”
Philip Whitcomb receives a Band 2 ranking for the Southampton and surrounds region, as does Taunton partner Tom Chiffers, while Bristol partner Jacqui Lazare again receives a Band 3 ranking for private wealth law.
Emily Jenkins in the Bristol office is ranked for the first time, up from “associate to watch”, and Emma Ironside, a senior associate in the South West, is a new entry in the 2026 guide. Manchester-based Rebecca Clarke retains her “rising star” status.
Anthony Fairweather, head of Clarke Willmott’s private client team, said: “We are proud to be recognised once again in the latest Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide.
“This year it has been particularly pleasing to see our family and matrimonial finance practice maintain its ranking in the guide after last year’s initial entry, with one of our teams and two individuals once again ranked in Band 1.
“These accolades reflect the continued trust our clients place in us and the dedication of our team to delivering exceptional service in high-value and complex matters. Our strong and growing presence in all regions of the UK highlights Clarke Willmott’s private client practice as one of the best and most diverse in the country.”
The Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide lists the best legal expertise in international private wealth. It ranks law firms and lawyers who are leading sector experts in understanding complex HNW issues. A market leading annual guide, it helps individuals find the best talent to provide specialist legal services.
The guide covers private wealth management work and related specialisms, features in-depth editorial about the leading lawyers and law firms for wealthy individuals and families.
