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Overview

The South West region spans Bristol; Dorset and South Wiltshire; the M4 corridor and Gloucestershire; and the West Country. In recent years, firms in the South West have attracted a higher number of typical London clients who are increasingly demanding City-level expertise at competitive rates; with Bristol and Exeter a relatively short commute from London, clients are realising the quality that the region has to offer. The South West offers an abundance of expertise as it is traditionally a top destination for City lawyers seeking a higher quality of life. The financial crisis has also increased opportunities for regional firms to attract talent from London rivals.

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Leading individuals

Regional review

Bristol is often seen as a difficult market to crack due to the presence of top-quality, full-service firms such as Burges Salmon LLP, Osborne Clarke and TLT LLP. Many firms expect consolidation in the market due to economic uncertainties. There have been well-publicised redundancies at many of the region’s firms, with property practices hit particularly badly and many high-value deals shelved due to a lack of available leverage. Firms are increasingly seeing mandates shift into insolvency and corporate recovery and expect to experience a significant increase in dispute resolution and professional negligence claims.

There have been some significant changes in management for several firms in the South West recently. Among these, Veale Wasbrough Lawyers appointed insolvency and corporate recovery specialist, Simon Heald, as managing partner; Chris Jackson took over managing-partner duties at Burges Salmon LLP in May 2009; and John Westwell was named as the new managing partner of Foot Anstey in November 2008.

Bournemouth-based Lester Aldridge LLP and Steele Raymond LLP remain dominant firms in Dorset and South Wiltshire, while Salisbury-based Wilsons is renowned for its leading private client base.

Exeter is another significant legal hub, with Ashfords LLP, Michelmores LLP and Stephens Scown all present there. Cheltenham is home to several well-respected firms, including Charles Russell LLP, BPE Solicitors and Rickerbys LLP. Relatively close to Bristol, Stone King Sewell LLP and Withy King are the main firms in Bath.

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