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The West Midlands comprises Birmingham and the surrounding counties of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire.

In the tough economic climate, every law firm has had to cut costs, and firms predict a long, slow road to recovery. There are currently a significant number of empty office spaces in Birmingham to fill, but it is not all doom and gloom as some development is still ongoing. There are some grounds for cautious optimism as the banks are slowly beginning to lend.

On the corporate front there has been an upturn in mid-market transactions, but deal flow is patchy and deals are stalling. There are fewer larger deals, and private equity firms and investors remain reluctant to invest. While there has been less insolvency work than anticipated, as banks continue to nurse their customers with lower interest rates, restructuring work is on the increase. Local government/public sector practices are feeling the effects of the current austerity measures, with less work being outsourced to private practice.

Clients are more aware of costs, and the tendering process for law firms to win new work or remain on existing panels is ever more competitive. On the plus side for firms, some clients are more litigious and are actively pursuing any money owing to them, and there is a reported increase in shareholder disputes.

The trend of consolidations and mergers among law firms continues. Pinsent Masons LLP joined forces with national firm McGrigors LLP; Martineau merged with London firm Sprecher Grier Halberstam, becoming SGH Martineau LLP; DWF LLP merged with Buller Jeffries; and Stoke-based firm KJD Freeth completed its merger with Freeth Cartwright LLP, having previously become an associate firm. Shakespeares continues to expand its operations across the Midlands, taking on Wood Glaister Solicitors and social housing firm Gorrara Haden, and set to merge with Harvey Ingram LLP with effect from 1 September 2012.

Wragge & Co LLP is a truly national player, counting many household names as clients. One of the jewels in its crown remains its outstanding pensions practice, but it has core strength in areas ranging from corporate and energy to corporate tax and construction. Its commercial litigation practice is very well regarded, with considerable international expertise and capabilities. Antitrust partner Bernardine Adkins made history by becoming the first solicitor to take a competition matter from dawn raid to the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

DLA Piper UK LLP represents a considerable number of blue-chip national and international clients. Its banking, commercial litigation and corporate restructuring practices receive many accolades, and recent high-profile corporate deals include advising Dechra Pharmaceuticals on its agreement to conditionally acquire Eurovet Animal Health BV for €135m. It has, however, seen the recent departure of Graeme Bradley and Robert Norris on the construction front, and IP partner Marie McMorrow.

Eversheds LLP’s corporate team has been involved in some of the biggest deals in the region and beyond. Major clients of its renowned corporate practice include Centrica, Severn Trent and Sims Group, while commercial property clients include Mitchells & Butlers, Taylor Wimpey, Hammerson and Barratt. The property litigation team also receives significant praise from clients.

Gateley is making strides in the market. Its corporate practice remains active, and advised on transactions with an aggregate value of over £2bn in 2011. The residential development team also had a busy year, and the firm continues to make progress in the energy and power sectors. It has added to its national network by opening an office in Leeds, initially focusing on corporate recovery matters.

Pinsent Masons LLP is particularly recommended for its work on regeneration projects, and its highly rated banking practice acts for all the local financial institutions. It is a panel adviser to HSBC, Lloyds TSB and other national banks. Its corporate practice has considerable expertise in the healthcare and technology sectors, and it has an active EU and competition practice. It merged with national firm McGrigors LLP in May 2012.

Martineau became SGH Martineau LLP with its merger with London firm Sprecher Grier Halberstam in December 2011. It stands out for its experience in the education and energy sectors, and is regularly involved in cross-border work. The firm opened a Brussels office in October 2011.

Squire Sanders LLP is very strong in the automotive sector, and has an excellent commercial property practice, acting for a number of local authorities including Wolverhampton City Council.

Irwin Mitchell is a powerhouse in the insurance market, and leads the market in claimant personal injury and clinical negligence work. It has considerable health and safety expertise, and its family practice is well regarded. It continues to beef up its commercial litigation offering.

Shoosmiths is a strong player in the Birmingham market, and has strength in diverse areas including dispute resolution and insolvency. It continues to develop its international practice.

Other firms of note include Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP, which is a national player specialising in the public and third sectors; Cobbetts LLP, whose areas of focus include the public sector and international matters; Mills & Reeve LLP, which has a strong all-round offering with particular expertise in private client, professional negligence and health; Shakespeares, which continues to expand and has significant expertise in private client and social housing; and Weightmans LLP, which has a dynamic practice and is very highly rated for its expertise in defendant clinical negligence and other health sector matters.

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