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Regional review

Leeds is the epicentre of the Yorkshire market and remains as competitive as ever. Sheffield is the region’s second-largest legal market, while York, Hull and, to a lesser extent, Bradford and Harrogate all offer a broad selection of firms.

Each of the ‘Big Six’ firms has offices in Leeds, which is one of the UK’s largest legal markets. The city is renowned as a bustling financial centre, and benefits from convenient transport links with London. Despite the obvious economic challenges, firms had a busy 2011 as the market began to adjust to the ‘new normal’, often picking up work that had been priced out of London; many can offer equal quality at a competitive price. The same can be said of Sheffield; the region’s ‘second city’ has a strong background in manufacturing and industrial services. Elsewhere in Yorkshire, Hull, Harrogate, and Bradford each have a complement of well-respected and successful law firms.

The traditional six remain the undisputed market leaders, but have not been immune to the effects of the recession; headcount and fee-levels have, broadly, decreased. The six have long had strong national practices, but have been casting the net even wider to obtain international instructions. This went some way towards overcoming the region’s overall decline in conventional ‘big-ticket’ work, in areas such as M&A, banking and real estate. Real estate litigation increased as a consequence of the economic climate, but did not quite reach the level that many anticipated.

The number of lateral hires in the market reached new heights in 2011. In many cases it was mid-tier firms that reaped the benefits, picking up talent from all levels of the market. The lower end of the market saw substantial consolidation, attributable in part to the difficulties being experienced by OMB and SME clients.

On the merger front, Keeble Hawson and HLW Commercial Lawyers joined forces to become HLW Keeble Hawson; Sheffield firm Taylor & Emmet LLP merged with Hallam Mediation, bolstering its family law offering; and Lupton Fawcett LLP combined with Davidson Large LLP.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP’s banking and finance capabilities are undisputed, as is its quality and strength in real estate and competition. The firm had a busy year on a number of private equity deals, and it remains the primary adviser in the region on building society mergers.

DLA Piper UK LLP is a dominant force across both Leeds and Sheffield, with quality teams across the board; corporate, real estate, and environment are among the areas in which it excels. In 2011, banking and finance partner Sarah Day was appointed office managing partner in Leeds.

Eversheds LLP saw a few notable departures but remains hugely well respected, and often works closely with other offices in the UK on significant mandates. It remains a leading choice for corporate work, while employment is another notable area of strength. It also has a busy pensions practice.

Pinsent Masons LLP has a longstanding reputation in the region. Its merger with McGrigors LLP in May 2012 coincided with a number of departures, including former office managing partner Mark Owen, who left for Dickinson Dees LLP. Key new clients include Jewson.

Squire Sanders LLP seems to have found its feet again, in the wake of its transatlantic merger at the beginning of 2011. It now benefits from a huge international network, and is very well respected in the region. Particular areas of strength include corporate, and commercial litigation.

Walker Morris differs from its peers in that it operates out of a single office, in Leeds. The firm is something of an institution in the region, and has prospered across a number of key practice areas such as corporate, real estate and litigation.

Irwin Mitchell, a key player in both Leeds and Sheffield, is synonymous with the personal injury market in which it dominates. The business services side of the firm has also come to the fore; it often appears on corporate deals and is strong in commercial litigation.

Nabarro LLP is a solid player in Sheffield, particularly within real estate, where it is an undisputed leader. Its corporate practice is also strong, and the addition of banking specialist Dean Gormley in 2010, from defunct firm Halliwells LLP, has added depth on the finance side.

Hill Dickinson LLP, also in Sheffield and home to a number of former Halliwells LLP partners, has made inroads during its first full year. Corporate partner Neil Thompson is tremendously well respected.

The Hull market is dominated by its own ‘Big Three’ firms: Andrew Jackson, Gosschalks and Rollits LLP. York’s main players include Langleys Solicitors LLP and Harrowells LLP, while Harrogate is home to McCormicks, which has been particularly successful in the areas of TMT and sports.

Dickinson Dees LLP made the decision to move its York practice to Leeds, relocating in 2012 amid plans for substantial growth. Whether the move will pay off remains to be seen, but it was not the only firm attracted to the city; Birmingham firm Gateley also opened a new office there in 2012. William Ballmann was recruited to oversee the new venture; his former firm, Cobbetts LLP, had an unsettled year, but remains a key national player. Ward Hadaway had a busy year of recruitment, increasing its headcount substantially as part of its strategy to become a major name in the region. Other Leeds players to note include Clarion; DAC Beachcroft LLP; DWF LLP; Gordons LLP; and Schofield Sweeney, which also has a Bradford office. Brooke North LLP closed its doors, with key figures moving to Ward Hadaway, Schofield Sweeney and Lupton Fawcett LLP.

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