A KENT lawyer has been awarded the highest ranking in an independent guide to the legal profession.

Vertex Law founder Stuart Butler-Gallie was named as a top corporate finance lawyer in the South East in Chambers 2006 – an independent guide that is one of the "bibles" of the legal profession.

Chambers describes Butler-Gallie, 41, who lives in Wissenden, near Bethersden, as having "a formidable reputation based on his consistent delivery over a long period of time".

The tribute comes almost exactly a year since Mr Butler-Gallie and other leading Kent lawyers launched Vertex Law in Kings Hill.

Mr Butler-Gallie, a former Ashford borough councillor, said: "This is fantastic news for Vertex Law – all the more so as it is based on recommendations from clients and clearly demonstrates we have been able to deliver the results that our clients want."