One describes her as `patient and clear, and she's got the ability to explains things really well in laymen's terms'.
Firm litigation head Lex Dowie also has a strong reputation.
The office continues to be involved in the Bloody Sunday Inquiry and is sole legal adviser to Defra over the foot-and-mouth claims.
The `excellent, thorough and prompt' Ian Collinson heads the 11-fee-earner team at Ward Hadaway, where Bob Elliott is also highly regarded.
Property litigator Margaret Lawson was joined in April 2003 by Alan Herbert, formerly national head of Pinsents' property litigation team.
Watson Burton strengthened its reputation for real estate litigation in 2002, hiring property litigator Richard Pickersgill from Eversheds LLP to join renowned construction expert Robert Langley.
The firm's contentious capability stretches far beyond real estate, though, with Allan Henderson and Julian Gill high-profile practitioners.
Rising star Mark Heath wins strong client praise for his 'ability to keep calm in a crisis' and for being `pragmatic and focused'.
