Few firms genuinely punch above their weight to the extent of Memery Crystal. The 17-partner firm regularly features prominently in lists of top AIM advisers and, in the words of name partner Peter Crystal, "offers something the market needs and uses - that is, high-value legal advice in corporate finance for SMEs [small to mediumsized enterprises]."

The past year continued Memery Crystal's excellent run. The firm topped The Lawyer's rankings for 2004 new AIM issues. It handled five AIM deals for Seymour Pierce alone, plus other deals for clients such as City Financial Associates, Noble & Co, Teather & Greenwood and Williams de Broe.