Four Wilkin Chapman Rollits partners named in Legal 500 Hall of Fame

Four partners at Wilkin Chapman Rollits have been named in The Legal 500 Hall of Fame, which celebrates lawyers at the very top of their profession.

Ralph Gilbert, Nasim Sharf and Chris Grocock have joined the Hall of Fame 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 during another strong year for Wilkin Chapman Rollits in the Legal 500 rankings. 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 in Yorkshire and nine top-tier rankings overall.

Chris Grocock

Chris Grocock joined the firm in 1989 following a spell as a professional footballer and now serves as the firm’s senior partner and head of the recoveries team.

He helped guide the 2025 merger that created Wilkin Chapman Rollits and was also named in The Lawyer Hot 100 earlier this year.

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.”

Ralph Gilbert

Disputes and regulatory partner Ralph Gilbert joined what was then Rollits in 1988 as an articled clerk. He went on to become managing partner and played a significant role in the 2025 merger before stepping back from firm management to concentrate on 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.”

Nasim Sharf

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.”

Neil Franklin

Real estate partner Neil Franklin has retained his Hall of Fame position for a third year. He qualified as a solicitor in 1985 and joined the firm in 1991, building a 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.”

'Talent, expertise and dedication'

Robin Simmonds, CEO of Wilkin Chapman Rollits, said the year's rankings were testament to the “talent, expertise and dedication” within the firm, which has more than 530 partners and staff across its offices in Grimsby, Lincoln, Louth, Hull, York and Beverley.

Robin 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.”