Your guide to the region's top lawyers
AFTER the swingeing measures meted out by firms to mitigate their exposure to one of the sharpest recessions since the 1930s, 2009 was a period of relative stability and consolidation punctuated by glimmers of recovery.
Nonetheless, firms have generally taken a constructive view of the market and looked to adjust their gaze on those areas that show signs of activity, such as the employment, health, and burgeoning technology sectors.
Dickinson Dees LLP has a highly respected transactional corporate offering in the North East, which is supplemented by a growing national footprint through London and York.
Ward Hadaway has a strong public sector profile in the region, despite the perception that the recently opened Leeds office may have monopolised the firm’s focus of late. It remains to be seen what effect Duncan Reid’s departure to Watson Burton LLP will have on its corporate practice.
Eversheds LLP’s Newcastle office is particularly noted for its commercial property, public sector and shipping practices, as well as offering resources both at a national and international level.
Muckle LLP retains its reputation as a stalwart figure in the North East. Its public sector practice saw growth in 2009, offsetting the general paucity of deals in the private sector as well as the departure of Matt Collen to Sintons LLP. Watson Burton LLP consolidated its position in the market in the corporate and commercial sectors through key lateral hires Duncan Reid and licensing specialist Richard Arnot, although Robert Langley has resigned from the partnership ahead of a move to Muckle LLP.
No sooner had Mincoff Solicitors LLP and Jacksons Law begun the process of bedding in clients to the newly merged outfit than the announcement was made that they would de-merge, a year after the merger.
Jacksons Law subsequently opened a Newcastle office in November 2009.
While a number of Newcastle firms have looked to Yorkshire to expand their presence, 2009 saw Hempsons open up a satellite office in Newcastle to assist a public sector healthcare client base traditionally serviced from its Harrogate office.
Regional heavyweights
Dickinson Dees LLP, Newcastle
Ward Hadaway, Newcastle
Eversheds LLP, Newcastle
Muckle LLP, Newcastle
Watson Burton LLP, Newcastle
