Coodes expertise recognised in 2026 edition of Legal 500

Coodes Solicitors has once again been recognised for its specialist expertise and dedication to clients in the new 2026 edition of the Legal 500 – one of the UK’s leading independent guides to the legal profession.

The firm’s Clinical Negligence, Personal Injury, Agriculture and Estates, Contentious Trusts and Probate, Family and Commercial Litigation teams have been ranked in the prestigious national directory. Its Commercial Property team is also noted as a firm to watch, reflecting strong development in this area.

Based on detailed client and peer feedback, the Legal 500 ranks firms by region and practice area. Coodes, which has offices across Cornwall and Devon, is recognised for the depth and quality of its legal advice across a wide range of specialisms.

This year, the publication highlights seven of the firm’s teams for their expertise, commitment and trusted reputation in the South West.

The Clinical Negligence Team is ranked in Tier 2 for its handling of complex and high-value claims, particularly those involving birth injuries, surgical negligence, misdiagnosis and fatal cases. Rachel Pearce and Julie Hatton are once again praised for their compassion and first-rate legal knowledge.

The Personal Injury Team, also led by Rachel Pearce, is recognised for its strong track record in serious injury claims, with testimonials describing the team as determined, responsive and client-focused. Demelza Pallant and David Usher receive individual mentions.

Coodes’ Rural Services Team continues to be ranked for its comprehensive legal support to agricultural clients. The directory notes the team’s strong reputation in advising on property transactions and partnership and planning disputes. Team lead Pam Johns is noted for her experience in property transactions and farm business tenancies.  Jo Morgan says it is great to see that Pam and Lisa have individual acknowledgement for the depth of their work in the rural sector.

In the area of Contentious Trusts and Probate, the team is listed in Tier 3 for acting on a range of complex and challenging matters. These span executor and trustee disputes, contentious Court of Protection cases and elder abuse. Team lead Mel Grose is variously described as working “incredibly hard to get fantastic results for her clients”, “a delight to work with” and “simply brilliant”.

Mel said: “I am thrilled that the Team have been recognised again in the Legal 500 and delighted to read the testimonials received from our clients and to see comments describing us as ‘Premier probate disputes team in the south-west’ and as having a ‘well-deserved top-notch reputation in the world of contentious trust and probate’.”

The Family Team continues to be recognised for its broad caseload and references the expertise and experience levels within the team. Sarah Evans and Victoria Walters are both commended for their work supporting individuals and families through life’s most challenging situations.

Sarah says “I am incredibly proud that the team has again been recognised in the prestigious Legal 500 rankings. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to our hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to providing exceptional legal services to our clients.”

The Commercial Litigation Team, ranked for a second consecutive year, is noted for its experience in complex disputes across sectors such as rural business, construction, tourism and retail. A testimonial for head of the team, Kayleigh Whitman, notes her ability to “navigate difficult situations with calm and grace.”

Kayleigh said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see our team recognised in the Legal 500 rankings for the second year. This acknowledgment reflects the dedication, expertise and collaborative spirit that defines our work. We consistently strive to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients and it is incredibly rewarding to see that effort reflected in such a prestigious guide.”

The firm’s Commercial Property offering is again named as a firm to watch. The team is led by Jo Morgan and are noted for their experience in handling transactional matters, acquisitions and disposals, leasing work and property finance issues. Jo says “It is fantastic to receive a second year of recognition for the team and the technical work they do for our business clients.”

Elise Alma, Chair of Coodes Solicitors, said: “I am incredibly proud to see Coodes continue to be recognised among the UK’s leading law firms in the Legal 500. These results are built on the strength of our people and reflect the investments we continue to make in specialist expertise, career development and service innovation across the firm.

“I would like to thank and congratulate everyone at Coodes whose work has contributed to this year’s success.

“We remain ambitious for the future and these rankings reinforce that we are well positioned to grow while delivering the high-quality, personal service that Coodes clients value so highly.”

With nine offices located throughout Cornwall and Devon, Coodes Solicitors has built a well-deserved reputation for providing individuals and businesses with exceptional legal services and as well as being recognised as a leading law firm in the Legal 500 it also features in UK Chambers and Partners guide.

While its history and roots lie firmly in the South West, it is also of increasing national significance, both for the level of expertise it offers, in wide-ranging and niche areas of legal practice, and its growth into an £11 million-plus business, placing it among the top four per cent of UK law firms by turnover.