Don’t Just Take Our Word For It
The release of the 2025 editions (issued in 2024) of the respected legal directories Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners sees the ninth consecutive year of recognition and recommendations across the breadth of services we offer.
Legal 500 2025 Results
Chambers 2025 Results
Legal 500 2025 recommends IBB for:
- General Crime and Fraud
- Commercial property
- Construction
- Contentious probate
- Corporate and commercial
- Corporate and Commercial – Thames Valley
- Criminal defence – London
- Commercial litigation
- Employment
- Family law and childcare
- Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Property litigation
Chambers Directory 2024 recommends IBB for:
Chambers in 2025 says:
Construction
Team Ranked as a Top Tier Firm
Paul Brampton Ranked as a Band 1 Leading Individual
Chambers says of the team:
IBB Law is a respected construction group acting for developers, contractors and a number of well-known corporates on the full range of transactional and contentious matters. The team is particularly adept at representing major clients in the UK housing sector, but is also active in numerous other sectors, including retail, healthcare, transport and leisure.
IBB Law is able to advise on commercial points knowledgeably and convincingly. It delivers solutions through negotiation and appropriate variation.
The firm is expert at reviewing a problem from the client’s perspective and wanting to find a solution
The advice IBB Law delivers is always of the highest standard
Clients say of Paul Brampton:
Paul is very responsive. He rapidly gets to the key points of difference in any issue and is willing to work with us to set a level of risk and expectation from the outset
Paul’s attention to detail and knowledge is immense
Corporate / Mergers and Acquisitions
Team ranked as a Leading Firm
Adam Dowdney is a Band 1 Leading Individual
Harriet Jones is a Band 3 Leading Individual
Chambers says of the team:
IBB Law has sector expertise in the technology and housing sectors, advising clients, including several South East-based multinationals, on corporate and commercial matters. The firm is experienced in cross-border matters in Europe and further afield. The team demonstrates prowess in related banking and restructuring work as part of a broad corporate finance offering.
A client says of the Team: “I have found IBB to be solid legal advisers in all commercial matters. The team are strong on sophisticated matters and always quick to reply, as well as strong in terms of commercial awareness..”
IBB provides personal care and technical excellence, balanced with sound commercial knowledge. The firm provides excellent service, and their commercial awareness is their core strength.
Another said of Adam Dowdney: “Adam stands out to me as a very strong lawyer”
Harriet Jones is simply described as “a highly competent lawyer and is easy to work with”.
Court of Protection
Jacqueline Almond is ranked as a Leading Individual in this UK-wide ranking.
The Directory says of Jacqueline:
Jacqueline Almond of IBB Law is notable for her deputyship practice for people who have suffered brain injuries. She is also experienced in advising on contested statutory will applications.
A client speaking to the directory: “Jacqueline’s knowledge and expertise is fantastic, and her communication skills are brilliant“.
Criminal Defence
The team is recognised as a Top Tier Firm
IBB Law operates a highly regarded criminal defence practice in Uxbridge. The team assists clients with matters involving drugs charges, sexual assault allegations and burglary. It is able to engage in cases that involve criminal and commercial aspects and offers in-house advocacy. The team accepts both legal aid and privately funded instructions.
IBB has a hugely experienced team with a track record of advising in complex cases across the full range of criminal offences
A peer of Partner Eddie Tang told the researcher: “Eddie’s good humoured tenacity inspires enduring loyalty in his clients and respect from fellow practitioners.”
Employment
The Team is ranked as a Band 2 Leading Firm
Justin Govier is recognised as a Band 1 Leading Individual
Chambers & Partners describes the team as:
IBB Law is experienced in handling the full range of matters for an extensive client base from a range of industries including manufacturing, education, technology and charities. IBB Law is particularly adept at handling large-scale and sometimes cross-border projects, with additional capability in TUPE issues, restrictive covenants and employment tribunal claims.
An employment client praise the team for: “They have excellent commercial awareness. The firm and its practitioners operate at a very high level in terms of legal sophistication”
A client comments on Justin Govier:
Justin is a top-notch employment lawyer
And another:
Justin has a very strong knowledge of the details of employment law and always provides excellent, pragmatic supports.
Family and Matrimonial
The Team is recognised as a Leading Firm
IBB Law advises high net worth individuals and entrepreneurs on matrimonial finance cases, including those involving complex property or business aspects. The team also assists with private children law, including contact and residence arrangements, with further capacity to represent children, parents and guardians in cases concerning allegations of abuse. It offers additional strength in TOLATA matters.
The team is described by sources as:
IBB Law are excellent at handling complex matters. They work together to consider cases with difficult angles, and I have found each member of the team to be consistently thoughtful and incisive
IBB Law are very professional and very knowledgeable with family matters. I have found them very compassionate towards me, and their advice has been invaluable
Financial Crime
John Milner of IBB Law is an eminent financial crime practitioner who has particular expertise representing clients in SFO investigations. He is adept at handling bribery, corruption and fraud issues.
He’s a star. John is a good pair of hands and is involved in stellar cases
John Milner is one of the principal players in the white-collar community. He’s hugely experienced and can always be relied upon
Franchising
Jane Masih is honoured as an Eminent Practitioner
Russell Ford retains his Band 1 Leading individual status.
IBB Law acquired Owen White in 2023. It offers expert advice on all manner of franchising matters including litigation, resale and master licence agreements, sales and transfers. The team regularly acts for businesses in traditional sectors such as retail and leisure, but also domiciliary care, commercial cleaning and residential lettings.
Their partners are very dedicated people and they have very good juniors as well. If I had a conflict I would send them. I have a lot of confidence in them
The directory says of Jane Masih:
Jane Masih heads the franchising team and regularly advises both franchisors and franchisees. She has strong experience in various commercial transactions, including the acquisition of master franchise rights and the resale of franchise businesses.
A client says of Jane:
First-rate practical advice
Russell is described by Chambers as:
Russell Ford is an established franchising lawyer with a strong track record of representing both franchisors and franchisees. He assists clients with a range of contentious matters, including disputes involving allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation and breach of contract.
A peer comments: “An exceptional lawyer, and I don’t say that lightly. He is highly knowledgeable and hugely experienced, a sector leader. One of the best franchising solicitors in the country.”
Litigation
The Litigation team is recognised as a Leading Firm for the 9th consecutive year
Paul Kite remains a Band 1 Leading Individual.
Sarah Jackson is a Band 2 Leading Individual.
IBB Law is a strong firm with a reputation for advising clients in the automotive, manufacturing, distribution and construction industries. The team has significant experience in commercial contract and shareholder disputes. Its client base consists of multinational corporates as well as large UK companies and includes a number of household names.
A client reported to the directory:
IBB Law has an excellent team; it’s very commercially minded, very prompt and client-focused
They are very good at what they do, are always very responsive, very good and take a practical approach to issue
Paul Kite is praised for:
Paul Kite is sharp and precise in his advice, always happy to be proactive in advice and drafting and he has a high level of commercial pragmatism. He can always be trusted to deliver
Paul was brilliant – beyond brilliant. Paul dealt with the claim and helped us to raise a light on its exact nature. Thoroughly recommended by us
Sarah Jackson received some excellent feedback from clients:
Sarah is absolutely fantastic; she brings outstanding credibility and experience to the team. She absolutely cares about her clients and is always putting their interests first
She’s been a ferocious ally in what feels like our fight for survival through our case
Real Estate
Highly experienced in both commercial property and the residential development sector. Works with house builders on acquisitions of land for development and regeneration. On the commercial side, the team is especially well known for advising on the acquisition and sale of warehouses. Also comfortable when working with asset manager clients.
Gemma Coles is ranked as a Leading Individual for the 3rd year. Chambers says of her:
Gemma Coles is a partner in the firm’s real estate team and has notable experience handling real estate transactions. She is highly adept at handling leases, acquisitions and sales.
A client praise Gemma: “Gemma is clever, persistent, astute and very personable..”
Real Estate Litigation
IBB’s Real Estate Litigation team has retained its Band 1 Leading Firm Ranking for the 10th consecutive year.
IBB Law has a dedicated property litigation group with a comprehensive offering. The team serves a strong client portfolio of commercial property developers and high-end retailers and is known for its experience in dilapidations and joint venture disputes. The team’s additional strengths relate to issues concerning restrictive covenants. The firm has offices across the Thames Valley, including Reading, Chesham, Uxbridge and Ascot.
A client comments on the team: “The lawyers in the property disputes team are all very experienced. Their service levels are extremely proactive with immediate response times”.
The team are very capable and were quick to understand the situation. We have received good service and they are very alert to commercial awareness.
Andrew Olins retains his Band 1 Leading Individual. The directory writes of him:
Uxbridge-based Andrew Olins has considerable experience across a spectrum of real estate litigation. He has noted expertise in restrictive covenants, and regularly advises property developers and contractors.
A client praise Andrew: “Andrew Olins is a very robust litigator. His knowledge is brilliant”
Andrew Olins is a very robust litigator. His knowledge is brilliant
Jon Mowbray remains a Band 2 Leading Individual. The directory says of Jon:
Head of the firm’s real estate group, Jon Mowbray handles residential and commercial property litigation. His work includes landlord and tenant disputes, such as lease renewals.
One of Jon’s clients told the researcher: “Jon is an excellent ally to have working alongside on litigation matters”
Another simply says “Jon is outstanding”
Restructuring and Insolvency
Partners Sonia Jordan and Sarah Jackson are ranked as Band 2 Leading Individuals
They have some very strong individuals who have a great deal of experience in dealing with complex matters. The team rivals most provincial firms
IBB Law was able to act swiftly to salvage a difficult situation and competently and efficiently obtained the result we needed. The whole team works well together with outstanding communication
Sarah is calm, confident and assiduous, with a steely perseverance. She is no-nonsense and a very safe pair of hands
Sonia Jordan is amazing. She is friendly, super-intelligent and client-oriented
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Legal 500 2025 recommends IBB for:
General Crime and Fraud
Leading Individuals: Eddie Tang and John Milner
Recommended Lawyers: Joanne Gibbons and Kam Varaitch
Legal 500 writes the following about the teams:
Located in Uxbridge, IBB Law has a multi-disciplinary practice which is able to handle matters with both criminal and commercial aspects. Notable for its increasing presence in key financial and corruption investigations in the City, a key area of strength is business and financial crime work. Criminal defence expert Joanne Gibbons, who is particularly well regarded in cases involving children, leads the overall practice alongside experienced business crime practitioner John Milner and ‘premier league criminal solicitor‘ Eddie Tang.
Testimonials
To be regarded as a Premier League firm. An outstanding firm, offering a wide range of talented lawyers backed up by a well-resourced and comprehensive infrastructure offering
An absolutely brilliant firm, they provide outstanding client care from the police station to court. Their knowledge and understanding of the law is second to none. Every case is approached with the same high degree of detail and care. A truly exceptional criminal law firm
Eddie Tang heads a superlative team and is an outstanding tactician and advisor. Having forged exceptionally good relations with local communities, he enjoys a unique position of trust amongst the young adults of those communities and is thoroughly respected and trusted by the older generation who know him of old
John Milner is the wisest old head in the business. A key player in the London market (although operating out of the provinces), he is the calm head needed in the storm. Sound advice and sensible direction are a given with him
Family Law and Childcare – Top Tier Firm
Leading Individuals: Amanda Melton
IBB have been a strength throughout my time with them, the people involved with my case have been caring and sympathetic as well as a good ear to listen to me whilst I was in a bad place. They provided 1st class advise.
IBB are a very solid and reliable firm – they are experienced and pragmatic, give very sensible advice to clients. I would trust them to look after my friends and family.
They work well as a unit. The family finance team has connections with divorce coaches and financial advisers who can help the clients work through every aspect of their divorce in an holistic and supportive manner, with a springboard for their future lives
The Legal 500 says of the team:
The family law team at IBB Law is known for its work in high-value divorce cases and complex private law children matters concerning welfare issues such as mental health concerns and parental alienation. The firm is regularly instructed in matters relating to children being moved through jurisdictions and has developed a niche in representing separating parents of different faiths where there are issues of the children’s future religious upbringing.
Commercial Property – Leading Firm
Gemma Coles has the happy knack of being calm, focused, practical and a pleasure to deal with. She’s not scoring points needlessly; and she clearly seeks to build relationships with other parties in pursuance of our interests.
The Team has a great appreciation of our sectoral requirement (charity) and how this relates legally and practically to our property interests
Legal 500 describes the firm as follows:
IBB Law has strong credentials in both the residential and commercial development sectors, with expertise spanning residential led developments, planning agreements, and Section 106 agreements. Uxbridge-based Jon Mowbray heads the real estate practice group. Gemma Coles is the key contact for commercial real estate transactions, whilst Shital Mehta represents developer clients on key mandates.
Susan Mawson is recognised in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame.
Bill Bidder is listed as a “Leading Individual“, Gemma Coles is listed as a “Next Generation Partner. Shital Mehta, Mithun Rabheru and Mike Smith are Recommend Lawyers in the Legal 500 2025 listings.
Commercial litigation – Top Tier Firm
The Legal 500 says of the team:
Paul Kite leads the strong commercial litigation team fielded by IBB Law, lending his expertise to commercial contracts, shareholder and board room disputes, commercial fraud and product liability, particularly in the automotive, manufacturing and distribution, and professional services sectors. The practice group-at-large has garnered praise as a ‘perfectly formed team’, with Sarah Jackson singled out as a ’heavyweight litigator’ and ‘technically excellent, thorough, tenacious and passionate in fighting her clients’ cases’. Jackson is highly regarded in the region for her expertise in business litigation, company and partnership disputes, commercial contracts, civil fraud, insolvency and insurance disputes
Paul Kite is smart, commercial and pragmatic. Cuts through complex information quickly and accurately, attention to detail but can see the bigger picture
Sarah Jackson is the stand out star of the team. She is technically excellent, thorough, tenacious and passionate in fighting her clients’ cases.
Russell Ford is an exceptional lawyer who I cannot more highly recommend for inclusion in the directory. He is a titan in the franchising world, a hugely knowledgeable and dynamic lawyer
Paul Kite is listed as a “Leading Individual“, Sarah Jackson is listed as a “Next Generation Partner” in the Legal 500 2025 listings.
Construction – Top Tier Firm
IBB offers a very personal, informative, and focused service on construction matters. They are truly a part of our business, not just outsourced lawyers
IBB is second to none when it comes to advising us on all real estate matters, including construction. I would not hesitate to recommend IBB to potential clients
Throughout my dealings with IBB, the firm has been doing exactly what a good law firm is supposed to do. The particulars of a case are studied thoroughly, tasks are assigned to capable staff, queries are addressed promptly, and options are explained clearly
IBB’s Construction Team retained its Band 1 ranking in 2025. Legal 500 describes the team as:
The practice offers a broad range of expertise in both contentious and non-contentious mandates, including adjudication proceedings, building contracts, and remediation work. Paul Brampton heads the ‘highly experienced’ team in Uxbridge, and has extensive experience advising on construction matters across the manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and hospitality sectors. Based in Reading, Caroline Cowley is a key member of the team who handles claims under the Building Safety Act.
Paul Brampton is listed as a “Leading Individual” Caroline Cowley , Andrew Olins and Ross Humphries are Recommended Lawyers, in the Legal 500 2025 listings.
Contentious Probate – Leading Firm
The team has extraordinary experience, and is very responsive and committed to its clients. Their attention to detail does not leave any stones unturned. They are also the expediter of the case as well by trying to push things to a faster resolution
We were very impressed with the thoroughness of the initial meeting and IBB’s immediate grasp of what we had perceived to be a difficult family situation
Paul Grimwood is a senior statesman with vast experience and a very pleasant manner. Amanda Melton is sensible and level headed. She is also a pleasure to work with. Rekha Toor is very competent – a safe pair of hands. Rebecca Cockeram is growing in experience and showing excellent promise
The Legal 500 says this about the Contentious Probate team:
Praised by clients for its ‘extraordinary experience’ IBB Law‘s team frequently advises on complex topics relating to estates, particularly in relation to foreign assets. The practice is jointly led by ’senior statesman’ Paul Grimwood in Uxbridge and Amanda Melton in Beaconsfield, with Melton offering niche expertise in handling farming family disputes. Grimwood excels in will construction and rectification matters and related professional negligence claims, and is a key contact for mediation proceedings.
Paul Grimwood, Amanda Melton and Rebecca Cockeram are all listed as ‘Recommended Lawyers’ in the 2025 listings.
Corporate and Commercial – Top Tier Firm
Harriet Jones and Adam Dowdney lead the corporate and commercial team at IBB Law which is praised for its ‘depth of legal skills to cover all areas’ and for inspiring ’confidence that there is a partner and lawyer group suitable for every eventuality’. Dowdney has considerable expertise across a broad range of corporate finance matters, M&A and private equity transactions, restructurings and joint ventures, among many other areas. Jones is a go-to name for the entire gamut of commercial and data protection work. Joseph Jarvis is another important contact within the group
It felt personal and well resourced. They also were helpful in translating legal jargon into clear examples of what it meant. Where we also had a bespoke challenge that needed a specialist they were able to get them involved very quickly even when that expertise may not exist in their firm. The team also had a great set of junior staff that were really helpful and contactable
The business has a depth of legal skills to cover all areas and can be trusted as a single source, with confidence that there is a partner and lawyer group suitable for every eventuality
It was thoroughly enjoyable working with Adam Dowdney, he always made himself available (pretty much at any hour and whilst on holiday). It was always easy enough to pick up the phone and determine a way forward without having lengthy back and forths via email. I also felt Adam had a good grasp of what was still negotiable and what was not and felt he pushed for the best result and had our best interests at heart
Adam Dowdney is recognised in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame in the Legal 500 2025 listing, Harriet Jones is a “Leading Partner” and Joseph Jarvis is a ‘Recommended Lawyer’
Corporate and Commercial – Thames Valley – Leading Firm
IBB Law’s Corporate Team based in Reading has retained its ranking, demonstrating the significant reputation and client base that Head, Adam Dowdney has built over recent years
Legal 500 says of the team:
Adam Dowdney and Harriet Jones co-helm IBB Law‘s corporate and commercial practice, which is praised for being a ’close and dynamic team’. Dowdney’s wide-ranging capabilities include private equity and M&A, while Jones is increasingly active in data privacy work.
Feedback from clients shows:
A close and dynamic team, making service delivery efficient and accurate. Appropriate delegation by partner of workflow to very capable team members
Adam Dowdney takes an appropriately commercial approach rather than engaging in point scoring
Adam Dowdney is recognised in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame in the Legal 500 2025 listing, Harriet Jones is a “Leading Partner” and Andrew Hayward is a ‘Recommended Lawyer’
Court of Protection – Leading Firm
Russell Hallam is very knowledgeable. We have a reasonably good understanding of the law and he respected our knowledge and understanding and provided us with relevant material to enable us to provide relevant information and arguments to support our case.
The 2023 guide ranks IBB’s Court of Protection team in the London firm category. It says of the team:
IBB Law has three Grade A fee earners – Jacqueline Almond, Russell Hallam and Elena Hall as well as a Grade B fee earner Michael Charalambous. In addition, Hallam is a member of the Office of the Public Guardian’s panel of professional deputies. The team currently acts for approximately 100 clients. It has expertise in dealing with clients with acquired brain injuries, mental health issues, dementia, learning disabilities and alcohol/drug abuse.
Responsive and efficient. Elena Hall- Very efficient. Prompt response. Easy to engage with.
Knowledgeable about Deputyship.
Recommended Lawyers: Jacqueline Almond, Russell Hallam, Elena Hall and Michael Charalambous
Criminal Defence – Leading Firm (London)
A very strong team with a loyal and expanding own client base. Outstanding client service
Legal 500 writes the following about the teams:
The incredibly impressive team’ at IBB Law often represents legal aid and private clients in matters concerning blackmail, class A drug distribution, and kidnapping. The team is co-led by Joanne Gibbons and Eddie Tang. Gibbons handles a wide range of matters, including cases concerning sexual assault, possession of firearms, and supply of dangerous substances. Tang, an individual of ’humour, warmth, hard work, imagination, and keen legal acumen’, regularly acts in serious matters which involve organised crime, human trafficking, and modern slavery. Kam Varaitch provides ‘top-notch expertise’ in financial crime and fraud, while Natalie De-Merist is experienced in cases concerning fatal dangerous driving, illicit drugs, and theft..
Eddie Tang combines humour, warmth, hard work, imagination, and keen legal acumen to get the best results for his clients. He is proactive from the inception of cases and never sidetracked from what is needed to win a case
A well-oiled machine, working together apparently seamlessly despite the very difficult circumstances currently in criminal work. A cut above so many others in the field
Eddie Tang and Kam Varaitch provide top-notch expertise in convoluted financial crime and fraud cases and are tactically streets ahead of their competitors. They represent an incredibly impressive team
Eddie Tang is listed as a Leading Individuals and Joanne Gibbons, Kam Varaitch and Natalie De-Merist are listed as Recommend Lawyers in the 2025 Guide. Eddie Tang is among an elite group of lawyers who are ranked as a Leading Individual in multiple regions (London and Beds, Bucks, Herts & Middx)
Employment – Top Tier Firm
Highly pragmatic business approach, coupled with exceptional expertise. Very capable in connection with complex cross-border and matters involving large corporates
Justin Govier is a standout practitioner who can capably and efficiently handle sophisticated matters
The 2025 guide describes the Employment Team at IBB as:
IBB Law is known for its deep expertise when it comes to managing largescale employment projects, including redundancy and TUPE situations. Employment tribunal claims and breach of restrictive covenants are other key focuses for the team. Practice head Richard Devall advises key clients on the entire spectrum of complex employment-related work. Justin Govier acts for SMEs and corporates on matters ranging from strategic employment plans to defending whistleblowing, discrimination and TUPE claims
Justin Govier is listed as ‘Leading Individual‘ in the Legal 500 2025 listings.
Personal tax, trusts and probate – Top Tier Firm
The 2025 Directory describes the team as follows:
IBB Law advises high net worth clients on a broad range of tax planning matters, including lifetime gifts and agricultural reliefs, trusts and use of trusts for vulnerable individuals, applications to the court of protection, and preparation of wills and lasting powers of attorney. Jacqueline Almond heads the practice and specialises in estate planning, including estates with foreign assets. Russell Hallam is another key contact and holds a large number of appointments as deputy, attorney, trustee and executor.
Jacqueline Almond was recognised in ‘The Hall of Fame‘ for the first time in the 2025 edition. Russell Hallam Jane Beaven and Michael Charalambous are each listed as ‘Recommended Lawyers in the Legal 500 2025 listings.
The team has extraordinary experience in the their given field, is very responsive and committed to their client. Their attention to detail does not leave any stones unturned. They are also the expediter of the case as well by trying to push things to a faster resolution
The team responds promptly to any queries asked and provides intelligent responses
Property litigation
The real estate litigation practice at IBB Law advises a diverse range of clients, which includes social housing providers, local authorities, developers, retailers, and institutional landlords. Leading the team in Uxbridge, Jon Mowbray is ‘an experienced and knowledgeable property litigator’ who assists commercial landlords and tenants with a range of disputes, including dilapidation claims and rent reviews. Andrew Olins is well-known for his vast knowledge of disputes involving restrictive covenants and easements. Based in Reading, Caroline Cowley is recommended for contentious development matters such as construction and contract disputes.
Andrew Olins and Jon Mowbray are listed as ‘Leading Individuals‘, Caroline Cowley and Sonia Ali are both ‘Recommended Lawyers’ in the Legal 500 2025 listings.
The litigation team at IBB have a strong record of providing practical, easily understood advice to clients in a quick and calm manner
Jon Mowbray offers effective and balanced advice to clients and makes every effort to settle. He is very responsive and easy to deal with and respected by clients
