Four Wilkin Chapman Rollits partners named in Legal 500 Hall of Fame
From left, Chris Grocock, Nasim Sharf, Neil Franklin and Ralph Gilbert, partners at Wilkin Chapman Rollits. (Credit: WIlkin Chapman Rollits)
RALPH Gilbert, Nasim Sharf and Chris Grocock have joined the prestigious list for the first time in the 2027 rankings, alongside fellow partner Neil Franklin, who has retained his place for a third consecutive year.
Together, the four lawyers have more than a century of experience, advising individuals, businesses and organisations across Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and beyond.
Their recognition comes as part of another strong year for Wilkin Chapman Rollits in the Legal 500 2027 rankings, which are one of the legal sector's most respected benchmarks, based on months of independent research, including feedback from clients, referrers and legal professionals.
This year, the firm achieved a total of 54 practice area and individual rankings across Yorkshire and the East Midlands, including a new Tier 1 ranking for Agriculture & Estates and nine top-tier rankings overall.
Chris Grocock, senior partner and head of recoveries, joined the firm in 1989 following a spell as a professional footballer. He helped guide the 2025 merger that created Wilkin Chapman Rollits and earlier this year was named in The Lawyer Hot 100.
Legal 500 commentary highlights his “wealth of experience” in utility, commercial and public sector debt recovery cases.
Chris said: “What I've learned over the years is that success is always about the team around you. I've been fortunate to work with many outstanding colleagues and clients, and to be recognised at this stage of my career means a great deal.”
Fellow hall of famer Ralph Gilbert, a disputes and regulatory partner, joined what was then Rollits in 1988 as an articled clerk. He went on to become managing partner of that firm and played a significant role in the 2025 merger with Wilkin Chapman before stepping back from firm management to concentrate on his day-to-day legal practice.
Legal 500 testimonials describe Ralph as “a strong litigator who focuses on the key issues in complex litigation”.
Ralph said: “I joined the firm straight from education, never thinking I'd still be here all these years later. I've seen it grow and change enormously, but what hasn't changed is the firm’s focus on doing the right thing for clients and supporting colleagues.
“After so many years in the profession, it feels like a nice moment to reflect on the journey.”
Corporate and commercial partner Nasim Sharf joined the firm 25 years ago and has advised business owners and entrepreneurs across the Humber region on a wide range of transactions.
One Legal 500 testimonial describes him as “an excellent lawyer” who combines commercial awareness with strong technical ability.
Nasim said: “One of the best things about my job is seeing businesses grow. I've worked with entrepreneurs who have started small and gone on to build thriving companies employing hundreds of people.
“I’m pleased to have played a small part in many such stories. Looking back over 25 years, it's those relationships and seeing people succeed that stand out most.”
For real estate partner Neil Franklin, Hall of Fame recognition is not new, having retained his position for a third year. Neil qualified as a solicitor in 1985 and joined the firm in 1991, building a successful career advising farming families, landed estates and rural businesses.
Neil said: “I’m fortunate to have been in the Hall of Fame since 2025, so the story for me this year is really about Chris, Ralph and Nasim. They are lawyers I've worked alongside and respected for many years.
“To have four Hall of Fame lawyers in our firm says a lot about the calibre of people we've got and the expertise we've built.”
Robin Simmonds, CEO of Wilkin Chapman Rollits, agreed, commenting that the Legal 500 rankings were testament to the “talent, expertise and dedication” within the firm, which has more than 520 partners and staff across its offices in Grimsby, Lincoln, Louth, Hull, York and Beverley.
He said: “We’re extremely proud to be recognised across a broad range of practice areas, including nine top-tier rankings this year. And huge congratulations to Chris, Ralph and Nasim, who take their well-deserved places alongside Neil in the Hall of Fame.”
The full rankings can be found at: Legal 500 | Wilkin Chapman Rollits
