Cleaver Fulton Rankin Named Top Tier in Legal 500 Guide

Cleaver Fulton Rankin has been recognised as a Top Tier law firm in Northern Ireland in the latest edition of The Legal 500 UK Guide.

The Legal 500 is one of the UK’s leading legal directories, highlighting firms and lawyers for their technical expertise, client service, and market reputation. Rankings are based on detailed analysis of casework, client feedback, and industry insight, with criteria including strength of client base, depth of practice, innovation, and investment in future growth.

This year, Cleaver Fulton Rankin achieved 10 practice area rankings, including Top Tier recognition for  Commercial Property and Private Client: Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate.

The firm also received 20 individual lawyer rankings, with accolades across the Legal 500 Hall of Fame, Leading Individuals, Next Generation Partners, and Leading Associates.

Notably, three Directors were named in the Hall of Fame for their outstanding contributions including; Michael Graham , ranked for Personal Tax, Trusts & Probate; Stephen Cross, ranked for both Energy & Projects, and Banking & Finance; and Karen Blair, ranked for Planning & Environment

Additionally, four solicitors received new individual rankings; Directors Brid McColgan and Sinead Stewart were ranked as Next Generation Partners; Maria McNally ranked as Next Generation Lawyer; and Shane Conlon ranked as Leading Associate.

These recognitions reflect the firm’s continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and client service across Northern Ireland’s legal landscape.

Feedback received from our clients in this year’s guide includes:

“Available, professional, knowledgeable, easy to work with, patient and trustworthy. We felt like we were in ‘safe hands’ with a very experienced team.”

“I use CFR for private client work and have always found them to be experts in their field. They respond extremely quickly to any queries and clients and have a very experienced private client team.”

“The team is very joined up and keep each other updated on developments, when you speak with different team members, they are all up to speed with the case management. They are all subject matter experts in terms of the various employment law matters I have accessed their advice upon.”

“The energy team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin is excellent. We have worked closely together on many high-profile matters over the past years and have found them to be extremely knowledgeable, commercial and pragmatic.”

“Unparalleled professionalism. Great breadth and depth of experience.”

Cleaver Fulton Rankin extends thanks to our valued clients and contacts for their continued support throughout the Legal 500 research process.

Pictured: L-R: Ryan Elliot, Timothy Rankin, Michael Graham, Brid McColgan and Paula Morrow, from the Private Client Department, ranked Top Tier in Legal 500 Guide 2026. 

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