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TLT recognised as "commercially focused" and "competitive" by independent legal guide

In its newly published 2009 edition, independent guide to the legal market, Legal 500 UK, has praised TLT's lawyers for being "commercially focused"; having a "thorough understanding of client requirements"; and delivering "excellent service at very competitive rates".

TLT is described as a "top-quality, full-service firm" and "a strong player…acting for an impressive number of FTSE 250 clients". Whilst the firm operates nationally, with 60% of its business coming from outside of the South West region, TLT's historic roots are in Bristol and the firm continues to be regarded by the guide as a "regional heavyweight" in the South West.

The firm is recommended in 31 practice areas across its Bristol and London offices, with top tier practices in corporate recovery and insolvency, debt recovery, employment, family, intellectual property/ information technology and pensions work.

In the guide TLT is newly recognised for its London-based banking litigation expertise because of the firm's "rapid emergence in the City and its increasing exposure to the financial markets". This recommendation reflects TLT's increasing capability in London, which is strongly focused on the Financial Services industry sector. TLT advises most of the UK's largest banking institutions as well as an increasing number of international banks on acquisition funding, asset finance, financial services regulation, professional negligence, property finance, ship finance and trade finance as well as banking litigation.

TLT has secured enhanced rankings in nine specialist practice areas including commercial litigation, corporate recovery and insolvency, corporate tax, intellectual property/ information technology, planning, private finance initiative, property finance, shipping and social housing, reflecting the firm's growing expertise. In addition, TLT is recognised for its work in two practice areas that are new to Legal 500: energy, and mining and minerals.

Seven of TLT's partners are again recognised by the guide as experts in their respective fields. Sasha Butterworth (pensions), Peter Carney (corporate recovery and insolvency) Bill Hull (EU & competition), Julia Lucas (leisure), Philip May (corporate recovery and insolvency), David Pester (Managing Partner and corporate finance), and John Wood (corporate finance) are all recognised as 'Leading Individuals'.

Managing Partner David Pester says, "TLT's reputation as one of the top three law firms in the South West, and the firm's extended service offering and growing presence in London, have clearly been recognised in this latest review of the UK legal market. We've had some key wins in 2008/9, including securing important panel appointments with The Metropolitan Police Authority, Barclays Bank and Orange, and we're delighted that the firm's areas of strength and expertise are reflected in this independent endorsement by the Legal 500 guide."

Legal 500 UK is an annual guide to the legal marketplace used by clients and referrers to select suitable legal providers. It ranks law firms and lawyers across legal specialisms and geographic regions, identifying the most highly respected legal professionals in their areas of expertise. The directory is compiled by independent researchers who conduct interviews with lawyers, clients and referrers to help identify the strengths and capabilities of law firms across the multitude of legal practice specialisms in the UK.

TLT is a full service law firm providing industry-focused services. The firm has leading strengths in Financial Services and Leisure and in depth experience in Retail, Technology & Media and the Built Environment.

To read the full results please visit www.legal500.com.