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In Wales, the large commercial firms are located along the M4 corridor, from Newport in the east to Swansea in the west, with Cardiff as the commercial hub. Due to poor transport links, Cardiff is often not convenient for clients in Mid and North Wales; clients unable to source help from local firms in these regions tend to instruct firms in England.

The market remained generally static, with the real challenge, of meeting proposed government cuts in a region heavily reliant on its public sector, yet to take place. Political powers shifted again, with a majority voting in favour of providing the Welsh Assembly with further law-making powers at the March 2011 referendum.

Biotech, alternative energy, aircraft and aerospace manufacturing, and media and the creative industries remain key sectors of the economy. The agricultural property market has been buoyant in an otherwise depressed real estate sector.

Law firms continue to attract instructions from outside the region, by offering cost-competitive commercial expertise. There has been some consolidation among smaller players; West Wales based Lowless & Lowless, for instance, merged with Morris Roberts in April 2011 to form Red Kite Law.

Eversheds LLP is underpinned by the firm’s national coverage. Renewables is an area of growing importance for the firm, while it effectively shut down its personal injury practice, with Karen Meggitt moving her team to NewLaw Solicitors LLP.

Geldards LLP remains a key corporate player. It offers specialist tax and charity law expertise and has an established reputation in media, real estate and the public sector.

Hugh James continues to focus on a commercial approach, recently transferring its high-volume insurance claims service to its outsourced legal provider Involegal LLP.

Morgan Cole retains a strong public sector practice, with a depth of expertise in health sector matters. It also has a well-regarded construction practice.

Mid-tier firms demonstrate specialist expertise to actively compete with regional heavyweights. Darwin Gray opened a Newport office and continues to develop strengths in commercial and property litigation. Capital Law LLP is increasingly competitive in the media and IP fields. In Swansea and West Wales, Morgan LaRoche Limited, Douglas-Jones Mercer and JCP Solicitors, Harding Evans LLP and Hutchinson Thomas act for key corporate and commercial clients in the locality and beyond.

Walker Smith Way and Allington Hughes Solicitors are key players in North Wales, and are also active in the North West. Many clients turn to firms over the border for commercial expertise, notably Chester-based Aaron & Partners LLP. Hillyer McKeown has opened a Wrexham office.

Nearly all firms listed in this chapter have Welsh speakers in practice. Regional firms, particularly those in agricultural areas, tend to have a more lawyers whose first language is Welsh.

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