FBC Manby Bowdler wins more success in Chambers rankings

Fast-growing law firm FBC Manby Bowdler is celebrating after its lawyers and legal teams were again singled out for recognition in a prestigious guide. 

The firm – which has branches in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Knowle, Shropshire and Worcestershire – has won impressive rankings for its solicitors and multiple practice areas in the 2027 Chambers & Partners rankings. 

FBC Manby Bowdler has five ranked departments and 11 ranked lawyers in the latest guide which underlines its position as one of the Midlands’ leading law firms. 

The 2027 edition highlights continued excellence across the board, with maintained Band 1 Midlands rankings for partners Sarah Baugh in Agriculture & Rural Affairs and Susan Todhunter in Personal Injury. 

Vicky Khandker – who joined FBC Manby Bowdler in November 2025 as a partner in the Property Litigation team – achieves a Band 3 ranking in the same list while fellow partner Michael Portman-Hann moves up from an Up and Coming ranking to earn Band 3 recognition for his work in clinical negligence. 

Senior associate Liz Hoskin, from the Personal Injury team, makes the Midlands list for the first time as an Associate to Watch. 

The firm’s Personal Injury, Clinical Negligence and Agriculture & Rural Affairs teams all maintain their Band 2 Midlands rankings while the Litigation and Family/Matrimonial departments are in Band 3 in the Midlands and West Midlands respectively. 

Chief Executive Neil Lloyd said the results reflected the firm’s unwavering commitment to delivering expert, client‑focused legal services. 

“These rankings are built on rigorous assessment and real client feedback, so seeing our teams and individuals recognised again this year is something we’re incredibly proud of.  

“The testimonials speak volumes about our people – their expertise, their clarity, their compassion and their ability to deliver commercially focused advice that genuinely makes a difference. 

“I am particularly delighted for both Sarah and Susan, who have maintained their elite Band 1 status yet again and continue to stand out as the very best practitioners in their field.” 

Agriculture & Legal Affairs partner Tom Devey earns a band 2 Midlands listing alongside fellow partner Tim Gray, the head of the firm’s Clinical Negligence team. 

There are Band 3 Midlands rankings for Charlotte Clode and Guy Birkett in Litigation, while Claire Darley and Philip Cowell from the Family/Matrimonial team both earn Band 3 listings in the West Midlands. 

The listings continue a year of success for FBC Manby Bowdler, which has enjoyed a period of exceptional growth including the opening of new offices in Birmingham and Wolverhampton. 

It is the founding firm of the Adeptio Law Group, created following a £30m private-equity investment from Horizon Capital. 

The annual Chambers UK rankings represent one of the legal profession's most thorough evaluation processes, combining extensive client interviews with detailed peer assessments. The guide has established itself as a trusted resource for clients seeking high-quality legal representation. 

More information and the full rankings are available here: https://chambers.com/law-firm/fbc-manby-bowdler-uk-1:514 

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Editors notes

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is a 30-Partner award winning regional law firm focused on and committed to intelligently delivering stellar service to its customers.

The firm's approach is 'One Team' and is committed to delivering the greatest quality of service and advice possible. FBC Manby Bowdler's Client Charter explains the firm's promises to clients about the stellar service experience they can expect to receive.

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is recognised in the 2019 Legal 500 Directory as a top tier Firm for Agriculture & Estates, Contentious Trusts & Probate, Family, and Commercial Litigation.

For further information, please visit www.fbcmb.co.uk, or follow the firm on Twitter @FBCManbyBowdler.