DQ has again been recognised in the recently released Legal 500 UK 2023 Edition with top tier rankings across several key business areas.
In total, 11 members of the team feature in the prestigious industry directory with impressive client feedback and recommendations in five practice areas.
Among the many individual endorsements (some in more than one area of specialism), three senior lawyers have been named as ‘Leading Individuals’, two members of staff are ranked as ‘Next Generation’ partners, and four employees are classified as ‘Rising Stars’.
The Legal 500 rankings are based on a combination of feedback from 250,000 in-house peers, client feedback and independent assessment of a variety of factors, including the strength and depth of the practice, and a law firm’s ability to handle the most complex and innovative work.
Managing Director Mark Dougherty said: ‘We are delighted with the recognition DQ has received within the latest guide. It truly is a superb set of results for the team and reflective of our ability to provide a quality client experience.
‘To receive such glowing testimonials and be acknowledged as a first class, energetic team full of personable and knowledgeable individuals really outlines the strength and dedication of all colleagues and I would like to congratulate them all individually and collectively. Such strong endorsements show why we continue to be a law practice of choice for many.’
Some of the many highlights in this year’s directory include DQ being described as ‘a local firm with an international outlook’, while clients also state “the team is knowledgeable, quick to respond and helpful’, making it a go-to law firm.
Overall, DQ has gained top tier status in the ‘Employment’ and ‘Private Client, Trusts & Tax’ areas, along with tier two endorsement in ‘Banking, Finance & Capital Markets’, ‘Corporate & Commercial’, ‘Insurance & Pensions’, ‘Dispute Resolution’ and ‘Shipping and Aviation’.
Led by the ‘technically excellent practice head’ Leanne McKeown, ‘an expert on all matters pertaining to employment on the Isle of Man’, DQ‘s multi-faceted Employment team is praised for its expertise in all areas of employment law with director Leanne again a leading individual, while both Mark Emery and Jessica McManus are classed as ‘Rising Stars’ in the same department.
Director and Head of Private Client, Trusts & Pensions at DQ, Annemarie Hughes, features prominently and has again been named in the coveted Hall of Fame in that sector with Donna Matthews ranked as a ‘Next Generation’ partner.
Annemarie is praised for an ‘in-depth knowledge of international tax investigations’ and there is again a second Hall of Fame inclusion for Annemarie in the ‘Insurance & Pensions’ category where DQ is considered by many as the ‘first point of contact for legal and regulatory advice’.
The Legal 500 Hall of Fame is reserved for law firm partners who are at the pinnacle of the profession and have received constant praise by their clients for continued excellence.
The accolades continue in the tier two categories with rising star status awarded to Adam Killip (‘Banking, Finance & Capital Markets’ and ‘Corporate & Commercial’), Donna Matthews (‘Corporate & Commercial’ and ‘Shipping & Aviation’), Mark Emery and Jessica McManus (Employment) where Mark Emery is a a Next Generation’ partner.
DQ’s Dispute Resolution unit is also described as ‘the best firm on the island for complex trust and estate matters’.
Mark Dougherty leads from the front in the ‘Leading Individuals’ section, named as such for both ‘Shipping & Aviation’ and ‘Corporate & Commercial’, the latter accolade also matched by director Andrew Harding (‘Corporate & Commercial’) who is praised for his strong understanding of the Isle of Man’s financial regulations.
Reflecting on DQ’s strong performance across the rankings, Mark added: ‘It is so pleasing to see our depth of knowledge and standards of service and expertise recognised in this way. To gain so many accolades and retain high-level status in such a respected publication and following a thorough and independent research process is a true endorsement of the whole practice. A sincere thank you to all those who provided feedback about our services and a huge congratulations to the DQ team.’
The full list of DQ’s endorsements are here
