Working in the North East
Yorkshire and the North East of England have undergone substantial change over the last decade. The region's top law firms have also witnessed a steady yet tremendous shift - developing and expanding their businesses, pulling in quality work on a national basis and investing in resources and training.
With the quality of work in the regions often matching that of the City, combined with affordable housing, shorter commuting times and easier access to the countryside has meant the region has continued to attract and retain some of the most talented lawyers.
Leeds
Leeds is dominated by “the big six” law firms, five of which - Pinsent Masons, DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary LLP, Eversheds LLP, Hammonds and Addleshaw Goddard - are national firms. The exception is single-site firm Walker Morris, which attracts clients from around the UK and internationally.
Although these firms' ambitions have long been focused on the national and increasingly international stages, they remain firmly committed to the Leeds market.
Historically, Leeds has not had as dynamic a mid-tier market although this appears to be changing. Cobbetts is undergoing a period of sustained growth, Beachcroft Wansbroughs is a major player and Irwin Mitchell has a strong presence in city.
When the likes of Lupton Fawcett and Gordons are factored in it is clear to see there really is a raft of choice and opportunity. Of major significance has been the arrival earlier in the year of Newcastle firm Watson Burton. This has added a further dimension to the market and created an additional fluidity to the job market.
Newcastle
Often winning plaudits for its nightlife, Newcastle’s vibrant legal scene is not to be overlooked. Dickinson Dees remains the largest firm in the city and with turnover last year of £43.8m and profits per partner averaging £326,000 it has been a first port of call for many City relocaters.
Choice is not limited however and Eversheds is a major force in the city with its sell to prospective lawyers being its national offering. Waton Burton and Robert Muckle are two of the other major heavyweights in the city offering expertise in depth and successful, growth focused businesses.
For those new to the region, Robert Muckle is a niche commercial firm that is highly profitable and more than punches above its weight in the market. It too has enjoyed sustained growth and is evidence of the diversity on offer within Newcastle.
Newcastle practices have benefited from the high level of public sector investment and development that takes place in the city-One North East being a prime example, whilst the region is also home to the likes of Nike, Sage Group, Arriva plc, Nissan and Northern Rock plc. With this type of legal work on its doorstep it’s not hard to see why Newcastle is high on many lawyers lists of places to work as well as having a steady flow of City returners.
Sheffield
Undergoing something of a renaissance, Sheffield is a city brimming with renewed confidence. DLA’s commitment to the city has been demonstrated by a major new office they have commissioned. In addition, the likes of Nabarro Nathanson, Irwin Mitchell and the ambitious Halliwells ensure that there is a real big firm pedigree to the city.
The regeneration of the city centre-just under £1bn has been committed-means that there is a real dynamism to the place and will ensure Sheffield remains a key legal centre.
Hull and York
For those wanting to benefit from the Yorkshire way of life but work in a slightly more relaxed environment, York is a popular historical town, housing reputable medium tier firms such as Corries, Harrowell Shaftoe, Langleys and Denison Till.
The Hull market is dominated by three major practices, Andrew M Jackson, Rollits, Gosschalks. Often overlooked by relocaters, Hull is a city that can offer work of a genuinely high quality as well as access to some great and under-populated countryside.
For more information, please contact oliver.gibbon@hays.com.
