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This chapter encompasses three key markets in the North: Newcastle, the dominant economic and commercial hub and home to all five of the regional heavyweight law firms; Cumbria, with Carlisle as a focus; and the Tees Valley.

The legal market in Newcastle seems to be settling after a turbulent 12 months which have seen a significant number of partner moves. While the recession and the coalition government’s budget cuts have exerted considerable pressure on firms, many are hopeful for a more promising 2012/13.

Dickinson Dees LLP remains the leading regional heavyweight, with strongholds in areas such as corporate and commercial, pensions and wealth management. Clients are quick to praise the firm’s calibre – ‘there is clear daylight between it and its competitors in the local market place in terms of quality and resource’ – and its regional capabilities, with cross–office work likely to be boosted by its decision to relocate its York office to Leeds.

Ward Hadaway is ‘innovative, and has managed to maintain a high calibre of staff through very tough times’, and is also noted as ‘committed to building long-term relationships with clients rather than just looking at immediate revenue opportunities’. It has strong ties to the public sector and is highly regarded for its healthcare, banking and finance, and commercial litigation practices.

Eversheds LLP remains a prominent player in the North East market, though with a somewhat different perspective to its competitors. While Newcastle is an integral part of the firm’s nationwide model, the work undertaken is often on a national and international basis; its partner and ‘best friend’ law firm contacts are ‘invaluable’. The Newcastle office is particularly noted for its strength in real estate, led by senior partner Adrian Stanley, employment, and shipping.

Muckle LLP is a well-respected commercial firm, and received a significant boost with the arrival of Rob Langley and Andrew Cawkwell, who add clout in the areas of construction and insolvency respectively. Clients praise the firm’s ‘exceptional customer service culture’, credited in large part to managing partner Stephen McNicol. Strengths for the group include corporate and commercial, and banking and finance.

2011 was a difficult year for Watson Burton LLP, losing a number of partners in key areas. However it has retained its leverage in other areas, and has a commanding presence in employment, education and property litigation. Managing partner Gillian Hall is a stalwart of the education sector.

Hay & Kilner’s strengths lie in family, crime and insurance, and it attracts praise for its ‘friendly, calm and helpful’ culture. Senior partner Martin Soloman is the lynchpin of the firm.

Sintons LLP continues on a path of steady growth, and is praised as ‘taking the time to get to know its clients and their people’. Its strengths lie in insurance and healthcare.

Other notable firms include Mincoff Solicitors LLP, which is fast developing strong practices in IT and telecoms and intellectual property; and Jacksons Law, which remains strong in Stockton on Tees and continues to develop its Newcastle offering.

All eyes are on DWF LLP, which has the dynamic John Flynn at the helm. After acquiring established insurance firm Crutes Law, it has substantially bolstered its capabilities in areas such as corporate and commercial. Notable lateral hires include banking and finance specialist Deborah Kirtley -

The North East is now also home to a burgeoning number of niche practices, including Collingwood Legal, established by former Watson Burton LLP partner Paul McGowan; Square One Law, set up by former Eversheds LLP duo Ian Gilthorpe and Alan Fletcher; Silk Family Law; and Neon Legal. Among the more established niche firms, Sharon Langridge Employment Lawyers, Major Family Law and Lowthian Gray stand out.

2011 saw the closure of the Stockton on Tees office of Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP, which follows the departure of a number of insurance firms from the market in 2010.

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