Thursday 9th October 2025
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Increase in Top Rankings from Legal 500 for Stephens Scown

Leading Cornish law firm Stephens Scown LLP has seen its rankings in independent guide to the legal profession Legal 500 increase, with five teams now given tier 1 ranking.

Stephens Scown’s corporate team has been given tier 1 ranking for the first time. The team acts for a large number of local SMEs and owner managed businesses, as well as national and international clients. Major deals include acting for Strongbow Exploration in the purchase of the South Crofty tin mine in Cornwall.

The firm’s employment team has also increased it’s ranking to tier 1, being described as ‘a leader in the employment field’ and a ‘first rate’ practice. Truro-based partner Verity Slater is described as ‘highly skilled’.

Stephens Scown’s family team cements its position as the best in Devon and Cornwall with tier 1 ranking for the tenth consecutive year. Jo Stone, partner and head of the family team in Truro is described as ‘clear, practical and has a strong grasp of complex legal issues’.

The firm’s dispute resolution team has also retained its top tier ranking in the commercial litigation section of Legal 500. Clients of the team praise Stephens Scown as ‘one of the best firms in the West Country’.

The fifth team to receive tier 1 ranking is the contentious trusts and probate team. The team is described by a client as ‘among the very best in the South West and compares favourably with similar national teams’. St Austell based partner Davina Haydon is mentioned in the guide as ‘working tirelessly for her clients’, while Truro-based senior associate James Burrows is ‘a very sharp analyst and skilled litigator’.

Kate Theophilus, a partner in Stephens Scown’s rural team in Truro is identified as a tier 1 ‘next generation lawyer’ by the guide.

Robert Camp, Stephens Scown’s managing partner said: “Everyone at the firm, whether they are mentioned by name in the guide or not, puts in an exceptional effort. We are in a privileged position to be able to help and support clients at some of the most pivotal, and often stressful, periods of their lives. Everyone who works here shares a desire to fight for the very best outcome for our clients. It is great to have that effort recognised with this independent endorsement.”

Stephens Scown has over 290 staff, including more than 50 partners, across its offices in Exeter, Truro and St Austell. It was named UK Law Firm of the Year at the British Legal Awards 2016. For more information visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk