managing partner of MSB makes ‘leading lawyers’ list

In the same month it was announced she will succeed Paul Bibby as managing partner of the firm, MSB Solicitors’ Emma Carey has been listed in the elite “leading lawyers” list by The Legal 500 – Britain’s top guide to the legal profession.

The guide states: “Emma Carey is an excellent leader; she has superb knowledge of the law and is also very sensitive and insightful, which is of huge importance for her vulnerable clients."

Founding partner and head of crime, Sean Sexton, also makes the list, noted for his ‘precise and thorough preparation’ and ‘extensive knowledge of and experience in serious and complex financial crime’ and MSB has been recommended as a top tier firm for crime and fraud for the second year running.

In 2016, MSB was ranked in the top tier in the North West for its work on financial crime – the only Liverpool firm to make it into the top bracket. In 2015, Sean Sexton was described as a ‘powerhouse’ for his work in complex fraud cases.

The guide has once again recommended MSB for general crime and private client work and singles, in total, six of its solicitors out for praise.

In crime, Andrew Pearson is referred to as ‘outstanding’ and is singled out for his specialism in representing defendants who are autistic or suffer from Asperger's syndrome.

The guide also marks the successes of partner Emma Palmer and solicitors Kirsty Leather and Sarah Achilles from MSB’s “extremely strong” family team.

Emma Carey said:

“Being recognised in The Legal 500 is an incredible achievement for a fantastically talented team. Of course I’m immensely proud of those individuals who have been highlighted, but I’m just as proud of the entire team at MSB who always go the extra mile to ensure we’re at the pinnacle of modern family law."

It is fantastic too, to maintain our foothold in crime, an area of the law for which MSB has become much acclaimed. Sean Sexton is quite simply an exceptional lawyer and is supported by an extremely knowledgeable team - to have been ranked number one for the second year is testament to that and due recognition of their collective skills, hard work and dedication.”

The 2017 Legal 500 rankings come further to a string of accolades for MSB, who were named best family firm at the Liverpool Law Society Awards in May and were awarded Business of the Year at the City of Liverpool Business Awards in July. The firm is also currently shortlisted for Best Family Firm for the North at the National Family Law Awards.

Earlier this year, managing partner Paul Bibby announced his retirement from the firm. And he leaves on a high after MSB reported its strongest financial results to date, topping £5m for the first time in its history.

Mr Bibby, who joined co-founder Sean Sexton in 1989, steps down from the top job in March but will remain with the firm in an advisory role.

MSB relocated their city centre headquarters to 4 St Paul’s Square in January.Of the move, Mr Bibby said:

“Our move into 4 St Paul’s Square has really helped to turbo charge the business in every sense. We feel strongly that this is the ideal address for us, putting us amongst a number of our peers and strategic partners and with all of the facilities we need to continue to develop and offer an exceptional service to our clients.

Further, our staff have commented on the difference it has made to their working day. The facilities on offer here combined with the activities, meeting spaces and access to local restaurants and bars really has made a world of difference. Staff are happier and, in turn, more productive.”

Of his retirement from the firm, Mr Bibby added:

“I’m immensely proud of what we have built here at MSB – I believe we are rightly recognised as one of the most dynamic law firms in the region. Emma Carey’s professional reputation in the city could not be higher – she is both a brilliant lawyer and an astute businesswoman who I have no doubt will take MSB to even greater heights.”