Your guide to the region's top lawyers

Sep 25 2009 By The Journal

Regional heavyweights
DICKINSON DEES LLP Newcastle
WARD HADAWAY Newcastle
EVERSHEDS LLP Newcastle
MUCKLE LLP Newcastle
WATSON BURTON LLP Newcastle
Firms are listed A-Z within tiers

REDUNDANCIES have been a common theme for many of the firms recommended in the chapter; like many other businesses in the region, law firms have been unable to avoid the impact of the recession, with real estate, corporate, and banking and finance the areas worst hit. Dickinson Dees LLP shed its bulk conveyancing department to Optima Legal.

October 2008 saw the merger of Newcastle-based Mincoffs Solicitors and Stockton firm Jacksons Commercial & Private Law LLP. Now benefiting from a cross-region presence, Mincoff Jacksons LLP boasts 21 partners and 150 staff.

Ward Hadaway opened its first out-of-region office in Leeds in June 2008. Following on from Dickinson Dees LLP and Watson Burton LLP, the firm is the third to break out of the Newcastle market and look south to Yorkshire. This expansion south is not limited to the top-tier firms; BHP Law opened in Halifax in April 2008 through its merger with local firm Clarksons.

2008 saw a number of boutique and specialist practices open in the region. Beachcroft LLP opened in November 2008 with a dedicated health practice, and the team is already winning new clients and praise from the market. New niche firms Major Family Law and Sharon Langridge Employment Lawyers both receive plaudits from peers and are ones to watch going forward.

The firms listed in the regional heavyweights table dominate the commercial market and large-scale transactions in the region.