CITY law firms continue to bask in the glow of praise from the latest edition of the prestigious Legal 500 directory.

Tozers LLP, which has offices in Exeter, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot and Plymouth, was singled out for commendation by the legal industry bible in the areas of social housing, family law, charities and medical negligence.

Managing partner Peter Edwards said: "We are very pleased to have four different departments of our firm acknowledged by the Legal 500.

"It is gratifying to see that the hard work and success rates of our social housing, family, charity and clinical negligence lawyers have been reflected in the comments just published in this year's Legal 500."

The firm was again in the top tier for family law, while the clinical negligence department was commended for a "great work ethic".

Meanwhile Stephens Scown was classed as a "regional heavyweight", alongside Foot Anstey, Michelmores and Ashfords. The firm, with offices in Exeter, Truro and St Austell, has risen up the rankings in corporate and commercial property since 2009, while its property litigation and social housing specialists are listed for the first time.

Its family law team was again in the top tier, with partner and team leader Liz Allen being singled out as a "leading individual" in the South West.

Stephens Scown board member Robert Camp said: "Being ranked highly in a number of categories, across a range of sectors, for quality of service is a fantastic endorsement for the firm.

"Our lawyers have been described as 'absolutely excellent', 'efficient', and 'prompt, reliable and effective' by our clients.

"These recommendations are largely based on interviews with clients, and we're delighted that many of them have been so complimentary about the level of service they have received."