The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, DWF LLP is a third tier firm,

DWF LLP’s practice is ‘excellent on all fronts’, and continues to grow at an impressive rate. The team has the capacity to act on significant transactions, including IPO work, and counts Countrywide and Paragon Diamonds among its client base. Manchester-based Stephen Houston heads the team, which includes the highly esteemed Andrew Walker and ‘commercial and focused’ Lester Wilson.

Within Banking litigation, DWF LLP is a third tier firm,

At DWF LLP, the key contact is Andrew Breckenridge, who impresses clients with his ‘attention to detail’ and ‘decision-making skills’.

Within Commercial litigation: Leeds, West Yorkshire, DWF LLP is a second tier firm,

DWF LLP’s flourishing practice is headed by the highly respected James Haddleton, and recently recruited Jason Blakey from Dickinson Dees LLP. Key clients include Leeds Metropolitan University.

Within Debt recovery, DWF LLP is a second tier firm,

DWF LLP’s ‘efficient’ debt recovery team acted for a number of new clients including Bank of Scotland and Arkle Finance. It is led by Ron Lack and David Scottow, and has recruited Justin Coley as secured recoveries manager, from Optima Legal.

Within Employment: West Yorkshire, DWF LLP is a third tier firm,

DWF LLP bulked up its employment team with the hire of a new associate from Eversheds LLP and three other lawyers. Recent clients wins include The AA, Countrywide and Vue Entertainment.

Within Health and safety, DWF LLP is a third tier firm,

Rupert Nevin continues to lead the ‘very good’ team at DWF LLP. In 2010 it advised BUPA Care Homes, and also acted for a sub-contractor on the Olympic village development in relation to a corporate manslaughter investigation. ‘Outstanding’ associate Paul Matthews is recommended.

Within Pensions, tier 5

Practice head Mark Ridler and associate Claire Rogers joined DWF LLP in 2010 from Squire Sanders Hammonds.

Within Personal injury: defendant: Leeds, West Yorkshire, DWF LLP is a second tier firm,

DWF LLP bolstered its team in 2010 with the addition of five new members to its catastrophic injury team, and was appointed to the QBE catastrophic injury panel. Other clients include Aviva and Faraday. Head of department Glyn Jones is recommended.

Within Regional review,

Other notable firms in Leeds include Cobbetts LLP; DWF LLP; Gordons LLP; Clarion; and Schofield Sweeney; and they are set to be joined by Dickinson Dees LLP, which has recently announced plans to move its Yorkshire base to the city from York. Harrogate is home to McCormicks, while Hull’s leading players include Rollits LLP and Andrew Jackson.

Within Family: Leeds and West Yorkshire, DWF LLP is a third tier firm,

The ‘brilliant and knowledgeable’ team at DWF LLP is instructed by corporate clients as well as high-net-worth individuals. It is headed by Carol Grundell, who is noted for her ‘excellent technical knowledge and skills’. Associate Emma Davison is also recommended.

Within Education, DWF LLP is a third tier firm,

DWF LLP’s team advises over 180 schools and academies in the regions, as well as The Manchester College and Salford City College. It was also appointed to Manchester Metropolitan University’s panel.

Within Health, tier 4

The ‘excellent’ team at DWF LLP, led by Katharine Mellor, acts mainly for private companies, and was appointed by Primary Horizons in 2010. It also acts for a host of major financial institutions. Steven Bate in Leeds has ‘excellent knowledge of contract law and is a brilliant negotiator’.

Within Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire, DWF LLP is a third tier firm,

The team at DWF LLP is ‘always reliable’ and ‘pays great attention to detail’. Clients include Countrywide. Nic Crocker is the key partner contact.

Within Construction Construction

Within Property litigation, DWF LLP is a second tier firm,

DWF LLP is valued for its ‘excellent quality of service’. It has been advising South Lakeland District Council on matters including the strategy and procedure for deregistration of common land, associated planning matters and applications to carry out work on common land.