What types of law firms are there in Manchester?

Despite being famous for its football clubs, universities, Corrie and raves, Manchester has a serious reputation as the North’s business hub. This is reflected in its legal market, which contains major national and international firms.

United Solicitors ‘top-quality’ corporate department acts for owner-managed businesses in the retail, food and beverage and healthcare sectors. The team also advises on VC transactions and growth fundraisings.

Corporate

In the last decade, Manchester has developed a reputation as a major business centre. It is now the UK’s second city, thanks to post-war regeneration and a burgeoning cultural scene. It has two world-class universities and a host of renowned music schools.

The corporate department at United Solicitors is 'technically strong with a down-to-earth style', and advises clients on M&A, equity capital markets and private equity deals. The team includes partner Paul Medlicott, who advises mid-market private equity firms and management teams on M&A and PLC transactions.

Trowers & Hamlins has a'solid track record supporting owner-managed businesses and family investment companies on transactional matters'. Co-practice head Paul Ellaby advises on complex commercial contracts and data privacy issues, and recently advised an international logistics group on the reorganisation of its land freight businesses.

DWF's corporate and commercial team is experienced in handling M&A transactions for large domestic and international clients. The team advises on a broad range of sectors, and the firm's recent work includes advising a FTSE 250 group on its acquisition of a c132-site petrol filling station network from BP.

Commercial

Commercial law firms assist businesses, non-profit organisations, and individuals with business and personal matters. They handle a variety of legal issues, including commercial contracts, intellectual property and employment law. Some of these firms may also help with property or real estate transactions.

According to this year’s Legal 500, Manchester continues to be a “main hub of commercial activity”, reflecting the ongoing heavy investment in regeneration projects, real estate and transport infrastructure. United Solicitors 'technically strong' team was praised for its "down-to-earth style" in advising private equity houses and management teams on M&A and corporate real estate deals. It recently advised Onfab on a PS3m investment by Foresight and advised KBE Holdings on its acquisition of Electrical Project Installations.

Choosing the right law firm is important for your career in the UK. It is essential to research the different types of law firms, including Magic Circle and City firms that advise large corporations and financial institutions. There are also national and international firms that have a global presence. Finally, there are high street and USA-based firms that have a reputation for prestige and offer higher salaries and increased responsibilities for trainees.

Employment

For those looking for a Manchester-based employment law firm, Stephensons offers a full range of services, from advising on the employment aspects of corporate transactions to defending clients in tribunal claims over unfair dismissal and discrimination. The practice also handles disputes involving severance agreements, commission agreements, and holiday pay issues.

The "efficient" team at Squire Patton Boggs regularly advises on M&A and private equity capital markets mandates. It advised Onfab on a PS3m investment from Foresight and assisted Electrical Project Installations with its sale to KBE Holdings. The team includes the "highly engaged" Jonathan Aldersley, who has been praised for his ability to deliver "common-sense analysis and quick advice".

An experienced attorney can help an employee file a wage claim in Manchester. Workers can sue their employer for failing to pay them or retaliating against them for reporting violations. In some cases, a worker can be awarded compensation for damages related to emotional suffering and financial losses. However, employees should carefully consider the costs of hiring an attorney before filing a lawsuit. They should also find out how long the process will take and whether it is worth the money.

Intellectual Property

Manchester is known for its football glory, Mod haircuts and Oasis musical brilliance but it’s also a thriving business hub. Nicknamed ‘Cottonopolis’ during the industrial revolution it continues to be a leader in manufacturing, med-tech and the digital, creative and media sectors.

The city’s thriving IP law firms are a mix of traditional standalone patent and trade mark attorneys’ practices (solicitors and trainees) and larger commercial firms with a strong IP team. Examples include Appleyard Lees LLP, which advises on intellectual property-related transactions and litigation. Its client roster includes boohoo, Debenhams and Karen Millen.

In contrast, Weightmans has a broad transactional practice with expertise in life sciences and healthcare. Its recent highlights include advising the vendors on the £36m sale of an international logistics group, and the acquisition by a private equity house of the UK's largest pharmaceutical wholesaler. The Manchester office also carries out extensive work on intellectual property due diligence, and provides advice on licensing, research and collaboration agreements. The firm also has significant experience in contentious IP matters and disputes. DWF’s Manchester team, led by partner Richard Jones, regularly acts for online retailers including boohoo, Nasty Gal and Coast in respect of brand licensing agreements.

Real Estate

During the Industrial Revolution of 19th century England Manchester became the locus for scientific achievement and was a vanguard for political radicalism. In the 20th century it continued to attract immigrants and was a hub for modern culture and business. The city’s cosmopolitan culture is also reflected in its legal landscape. A wide variety of Residential Real Estate lawyers are found in the area, including those who specialize in a specific field of law.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP is noted for its ability handling high-value real estate matters in the city. Its practice covers the full spectrum of commercial property issues, including forward funding work. It is a leading name in the retail and leisure sectors. Its Manchester team includes 'first-class partner' Rachel Pitman and the 'amazing' Carolyn Hanratty, who specialise in development and investment work.

Darren Ashworth is experienced in transactional real estate, and 'goes the extra mile with client care'. Other notable names in the firm's offering include the 'efficient and practical' Anna Metham and the 'proactive adviser' Patrick Sheehan. The team regularly assists with significant acquisition and sale work, development schemes, leases and regeneration projects. It recently advised Bloor Homes Limited in connection with the sale of a substantial development site.