First time recognition for the Construction Division and partner, Lawrence Pearce in the 2024 Legal 500 rankings

Holmes & Hills is pleased that their Construction Division received a first time ranking from the Legal 500 in 2024, as the Division has gone from strength to strength over the past three years. Partners, Sam Bawden and Lawrence Pearce have built out an impressive Division of 6 construction legal professionals, including themselves (2 partners), 2 solicitors, and 2 trainee solicitors as well as currently recruiting for a seventh to join their ranks.

The Legal 500 is an independent list of the UK’s top law firms and the very best lawyers in the UK. The Legal 500 undertake a vast research and analysis project as well as an extensive outreach exercise of peer and client interviews to gather information on the different practice areas of Law offered across the region.

Within the ranking announcement from the Legal 500, Holmes & Hills’ Division of specialist construction solicitors are commended with outstanding commentary. In their introductory ranking comments are made as to the Division’s aptitude in handling a ‘gamut of contentious and non-contentious matters with particular strength in construction adjudication claims’. As well as being recognised for ‘successfully acting for a large number of scaffolding companies in making adjudication claims for wrongful termination, repudiatory breaches and validity of notices.’

Moreover, in this inaugural ranking a glowing observation is made of the head of Holmes & Hills’ Construction Division, partner Sam Bawden. Sam is singled out by one client as a ‘skillful and accomplished lawyer’, he ‘is noted for his experience of negotiating settlements in high-value disputes and court cases.’

Lawrence Pearce is recognised as a Rising Star

Moreover, partner, Lawrence Pearce of the Construction Division was recognised as a ‘Rising Star’. The Legal 500 identifies a ‘Rising Star’ as someone who has provided a major contribution to the firm’s practice, which is a true testament to the work that Lawrence is involved in. Lawrence is one for four Rising Stars named in the South East region for Construction Law - Holmes & Hills are delighted that Lawrence has obtained this recognition which is fully deserved. This award reflects the regular instructions Lawrence receives from a wide breadth of the construction industry including sub-contracts, contracts, architects and employers, both in contentious matters and non-contentious matters.

Testimonials from clients in the Legal 500 commentary go on to state that Lawrence Pearce, along with Sam Bawden as individuals are the main reason they continue to partner with the firm.

Commenting on his recognition, Lawrence commended the hard work of his colleagues in the Division within the construction sector, and thanked his clients and referees for their feedback which has led to this recognition for him.

‘Leading’ Construction Law advice from Holmes & Hills’ Construction Division

Furthermore, comments gathered by the Legal 500 2024 editors about the Construction Division at Holmes & Hills Solicitors include:

• ‘The construction team at Holmes and Hills has gone from strength to strength during our partnership with them. Payment and contractual disputes are one of our members’ biggest issues, and the team have been able to provide a wealth of knowledge. Their support is invaluable to us.’
• ‘Sam Bawden and Lawrence Pearce as individuals are the main reason we continue to partner with Holmes and Hills. They are forward thinking and proactive. They provide continued support to us to ensure that our members remain well informed and well represented.’
• ‘We have been very impressed with Holmes & Hills. Their construction – scaffold division is exemplary and has guided us to securing a number of arbitration wins over the last two years. Plus their ongoing legal guidance has been excellent on general contract and payment issues.’

Comment from the head of the Construction Division, Sam Bawden:

Commenting on the success of his Division, partner Sam Bawden commented: ‘I am delighted to announce that Holmes & Hills Solicitors' Construction Division has secured its first ranking in the Legal 500 this year’.