The firm has gained rankings in employment law and family law in The Legal 500 2025 following months of research and feedback from clients, industry professionals (such as accountants, bankers and independent financial advisors) and other law firms on its work over the first six months of this year.

Described as the “dominant force in employment in South Devon” researchers praised the team for advising employers on a broad-range of issues including TUPE transfers, data subject access requests, and transactional matters.

Head of employment law Jayme Nicholson was ranked as a ‘Leading Partner’ in the region who ”excels at supporting clients in employment matters from a corporate perspective in addition to providing support with litigation”. Meanwhile, recently promoted partner Rory Wakeling was ranked as one of the rising stars in the South West and hailed as “a delight to work with”.

In family law, researchers praised “a team of lawyers in Plymouth, Exeter and Torquay capable of handling high-value divorces and financial remedy proceedings as well as child arrangements and guardianship orders.”

Department head Tony Hunt was noted for being “well-versed in financial and cohabitation issues as well as private law children’s matters.” His fellow partner Kate Barton was singled out for being “outstanding, very knowledgeable, and super efficient. Whenever we had any questions, they were always dealt with very efficiently and responded to immediately.”

It is the latest independent recognition for the firm following the merger of Kitsons and Boyce Hatton on 1 October 2023. Over the past year the firm has been named ‘Law Firm of the Year’ at Devon & Somerset Law Society Awards; achieved the latest Lexcel v6.1 standard with praise for “The success with which the recent merger has been accomplished”; been listed in The Times Best Law Firms Guide; and secured the highest regional firm position for our corporate work in Experian’s Deals Review.

Commenting on the Legal 500 findings, Rhodri Davey, Managing Partner at Kitson Boyce said:

“Congratulations to all of our lawyers included in the Legal 500. It is particularly pleasing to see our people first style of advice shining through in the research.”

He continued:

“I’m delighted that such an authoritative guide has recognised our progress in the early stages of our merger. This, and the other external recognition we’ve received in such a successful first year, is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at Kitson Boyce.”