Firm news

Steven Bernstein
October 2025

Lawrence Stephens is proud to announce its ranking in Band 1 in Chambers UK 2026 SME-focused Firms category. This ranking illustrates our commitment to and excellence in the owner-managed business (OMB), founder-led and SME sector.

This recognition builds on our appearance in last year’s guide and is yet another milestone in the firm’s strategic focus in supporting fast-growth businesses and entrepreneurial clients.

Chambers describes us as being “deeply involved in the SME and entrepreneurial ecosystem”,  a reflection of the work we do every day. We advise clients across a broad range of sectors on incorporation, commercial contracts, commercial property, employment, funding rounds, and M&A transactions.

Jeff Rubenstein, Head of Corporate & Commercial, commented:

“This ranking is a fantastic endorsement of the work we do every day with ambitious SMEs and founders. It reflects our deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this space, and our commitment to delivering commercially astute, founder-friendly advice.”

Steven Bernstein, Managing Director, added:

“Being recognised in Band 1 by Chambers UK is not just a win for our firm but confirms our position as the go-to firm for SMEs and OMBs, and builds on our work with FEBE and FOUNDXRS Club to shape a bold, founder-first narrative for Lawrence Stephens.”

Our clients said:

“Lawrence Stephens have a very pragmatic and solutions-driven approach. They are great at keeping the client’s interests at heart and have the ability to distil and simplify complex matters.”

Supporting the SME community

Our SME-focused initiatives and partnerships are designed to empower founders, entrepreneurs, and owner-managed businesses at every stage of their journey:

  • Championing SME growth

    We are proud partners of FEBE, where we collaborate with some of the UK’s fastest-growing businesses to foster innovation and growth. We also regularly work with the Foundxrs Club, helping visionary founders turn bold ideas into thriving enterprises.

  • Tailored Resources for Entrepreneurs

    Our quarterly newsletter, The Fineprint, is crafted specifically for OMBs, founders, and entrepreneurs offering insights, legal updates, and practical guidance to help businesses stay ahead.

    We also created Flourish, our dedicated offering for start-ups, designed to support founders from day one through scale-up and eventual exit.

  • Trusted Legal Advisers to Leading SMEs

    We’re proud to advise a range of dynamic businesses, including:

    • Activate Group Limited, in its acquisition by Elysian Capital.
    • Ansor LLP, where we are the go-to firm for mid-market portfolio transactions, supporting their strategy of acquiring and combining profitable SMEs in high-growth sectors.
    • Genuine Dining, on its acquisition by WSH.
    • FMS Foils limited on its sale after we did the company formation over 25 years ago.
    • HFMC Wealth on various acquisitions.
    • M&A Coachworks, on its sale to The Steer Group.
    • Scutum Group UK in connection with the purchase of a number of alarm maintenance and monitoring SME businesses in the UK.

Whether you’re launching a start-up, scaling a growing business, or preparing for a strategic exit, Lawrence Stephens is here to help you navigate every step with confidence.

Learn more about how we can support entrepreneurial businesses here.