Published annually by Spear’s, the indices highlight leading professionals across a range of specialist practice areas, identifying those who are recognised for their expertise, client service and standing within the private wealth sector.
This year’s rankings reflect the breadth of talent across Payne Hicks Beach, with lawyers recognised in the corporate, employment, landed estates, litigation and dispute resolution, and hommes & femmes d’affaires categories. The rankings reinforce the firm’s reputation for delivering trusted legal advice to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, alongside entrepreneurs, trustees and business owners.
Spear’s Legal Indices 2026 Rankings:
· Lucas Moore – Top Recommended, Litigation & Dispute Resolution Lawyers
· Ane Vernon – Recommended, Litigation & Dispute Resolution Lawyers
· Andrew Willan – Recommended, Litigation & Dispute Resolution Lawyers
· James Townsend – Recommended, Employment Lawyers
· Chris Weaver – Recommended, Employment Lawyers
· Max Baird-Smith – Top Recommended, Corporate Lawyers
· Howard Taylor – Recommended, Corporate Lawyers
· Rupert Burchett – Top Recommended, Landed Estate Lawyers
· Peter Lamb – Top Recommended, Hommes & Femmes d’Affaires,
We congratulate all nine lawyers on their well-earned recognition. Their inclusion in this year’s Spear’s Indices highlights the strength and depth of expertise within Payne Hicks Beach.
Read the Spear’s Legal Indices 2026
First published in Spear’s Magazine on 9 September 2026, the guides can be viewed below:
· The Best Corporate, Litigation and Dispute Lawyers – The best corporate lawyers in 2026
· The Best Hommes & Femmes d’Affaires – The best hommes and femmes d’affaires in 2026 – Spear’s
· The Best Employment Lawyers – The best employment lawyers in 2026 – Spear’s
· The Best Litigation & Dispute Resolution Lawyers – The best litigation & dispute resolution lawyers in 2026 – Spear’s
· The Best Landed Estate Lawyers –The best landed estate lawyers in 2026 – Spear’s
