Here at CooperBurnett LLP, we are proud to be listed in three categories in the rankings from Chambers and Partners for the first time in 2025: Real Estate for the South; Corporate M&A/SME owner-managed businesses for the South; and a new national category of SME focused firms. In addition, Russell Brinkhurst, a Partner in our Corporate and Commercial team has also been ranked (and moved up a tier!).
“Being listed in Chambers is a tremendous accolade for CooperBurnett,” says Victoria Sampson, Partner and Head of the Corporate and Commercial team. “We are very proud of our Corporate and Commercial, and Residential/Commercial Property teams.”
Adds Partner Joseph Oates, who co-leads the firm with Victoria: “The ranking by Chambers only emphasises the breadth and excellence of the work we do here. A huge ‘thank you’ to our clients and contacts for taking the time to provide testimonials for our submission.”
The Residential Property team at CooperBurnett has been a key feature of the firm since it was established more than 40 years ago and the team boasts long-established relationships with local agents and other professionals. Head of Residential Property, Jennifer Irving, has been with CooperBurnett for more than 20 years and two of its longstanding team members, Lisa Connolly and Glen Webb, were made Partners this year.
“I am thrilled with our growing team’s recognition in Chambers,” says Jennifer. “We have so much experience here, as well as longevity. Our team has remained busy through the market’s ups and downs over the years and this is down to the quality of the work we are able to attract.”
“To be listed in Chambers is a great achievement and a real acknowledgement of the work not only Jonathan and I have put in over the years but of newer members of our team, such as Imogen Fleur, and our loyal support team,” says Tom Lumsden. “Our team has also benefited over recent time from the appointment of Partner Oliver Bussell, who specialises in Planning.”
Adds Jonathan Rowe: “Having started my career with law firms in the City, I witnessed how highly a listing in Chambers was regarded. It’s now really satisfying to see CooperBurnett recognised in this way and very well deserved.”
Russell Brinkhurst joined our team as a Partner in April 2023 and enjoys working closely with business owners, becoming their ‘trusted adviser’.
“Russell has made a huge impact on TeamCB since his arrival,” says Victoria. “His experience and knowledge have strengthened our Corporate and Commercial team enormously and we are delighted that Chambers has recognised the contribution he has made.”
She adds: “Chambers was very enthusiastic about our submission and we look forward to building on this further in the 2026 rankings.”
Victoria Sampson, who leads our Corporate and Commercial team, is described as a ’stand-out member’, who advises clients across both commercial and corporate matters. Russell Brinkhurst is regarded for his ‘very hands on and empathetic approach’
Client quotes from The Legal 500 include: “A personable team that goes out of its way to understand the matter at hand and give practical advice on how to resolve it.”
CooperBurnett has also been named as one of the ‘firms to watch’ in Construction. The Legal 500 says Partner David Brown ‘stands out due to his longstanding expertise, and regularly advises developers, housebuilders, and contractors’.
Partners John Spence and Russell Brinkhurst were instrumental in preparing and submitting the submissions for both Chambers and The Legal 500.
“We are very pleased about our excellent rankings in both Chambers and The Legal 500 for 2025,” says John Spence. “We are particularly proud of the achievements of the Corporate and Commercial and Commercial/Residential Property teams, as well as Construction and expect to see more teams included in future rankings.”
