Law firms keep busy helped by start ups and protective business work
Almost 60 law firms and more than 450 lawyers are recognised across East Anglia in the new Legal 500 UK 2027 guide and rankings in the sector. Birketts, Mills & Reeve and Ashtons secured the highest number of places, with 33, 30 and 23 rankings respectively. The same three firms lead the region for the total number of individually ranked lawyers, with Birketts achieving 90, followed by Mills & Reeve with 74 and Ashtons with 44. Although economic uncertainty is limiting legal work on deal activity across the region, the guide points to areas of resilience and growth, notably biotech start ups and interest in the region from private equity investors. East Anglia has the only dedicated biotech ranking in the UK outside London. Liquidations and debt recovery work and contractual disputes and litigation are also generating more legal work as businesses take protective measures. Seeing growth opportunities, firms such as HCR are exploring expansion into the area. The guide notes the presence in Cambridge and Norwich of major national firms including Penningtons Manches Cooper, Mishcon de Reya and Goodwin. “Alongside these national players, a robust market of regional practices continues to thrive across East Anglia,” says the guide. The 450 ranked individuals in the region feature in ‘leading associates’, ‘next generation partners’, ‘leading individuals’ and ‘hall of fame’ categories. In the guide’s South East region – which includes Essex – law firms have benefitted from a steadily increasing corporate and commercial deal flow along with private equity investments into real estate in areas such as care care homes, energy projects, and data centres. (More on region’s law firms below.) See links here to Legal 500 2027 East Anglia practice areas & rankings and to South East (including Essex) practice areas & rankings
See Profiles Birketts, Ashtons Legal
Firms confidence in their own trading prospects slips
Confidence amongst businesses in the East in their own trading prospects fell in September although their optimism on the overall economy held up, according to a business barometer from Lloyds. Firms’ confidence in their own trading outlook month-on-month was down by 15 points at 50 per cent. But their optimism on the economy was unchanged at 22 pc. Business confidence in the East of England now sits at 36 pc down from a high of 57 pc in March. But amongst firms in the East who were optimistic about their trading outlook, stronger customer demand and increased investment in capacity or tech were key factors. Kirsty Sadler, regional director for the East of England at Lloyds, said: “Confidence levels have fallen this month, but it’s encouraging that a significant number of firms are still seeing strong customer demand. And as firms continue to navigate uncertain economic conditions, it’s important that they’ve got clear priorities in mind, whether that’s introducing new services or entering new markets.”
New restaurant set to ‘breathe new life’ into Ipswich hotel building
A new seafood restaurant, IRO Sushi, is to open in the Great White Horse Hotel on Ipswich’s Tavern Street. Penn Commercial arranged a 20-year lease on a 1,500 sq ft unit – formerly occupied by Starbucks – for owner and local developer John Howard. IRO Sushi was founded by Chhong Sherpa in 2014 to meet growing demand for seafood at an affordable price with high standards. The chain has expanded to 41 franchised restaurants across the UK; the Ipswich branch is its first venture into Suffolk. Penn Commercial’s Rachael Jackson said: “We are very excited to be bringing a brand new sushi experience to Ipswich High Street, breathing new life into the stunning Great White Horse Hotel.” She added: “We have also been working with our client, John Howard, to introduce new virtual reality gaming experience, Another World VR Arena, on the first floor, and IRO Sushi will provide the ideal complement, helping to attract a new generation of visitors to this iconic Grade II*-listed hotel.”
Steel signing marks progress on Cambridge library project
A steel signing ceremony has marked a construction milestone at Tyndale House, a Christian research centre and specialist library in Cambridge, where Barnes Construction is delivering a new facility and the steel frame is now complete. Staff, academics and members of the project team attended the event, signing a steel beam before it was built in. Barnes is working with Cambridge-based AMA Architects and project manager Castons on the scheme, which was originally designed by Peter Webley. The new facility is being built alongside Tyndale House’s existing faculty and is due to complete later next year. The ground and first floors will house the library, which contains one of the UK’s largest collections of biblical studies materials. The top floor will provide 10 bedrooms and a dining room, while the basement will include a chapel, breakout area and events space. Peter Williams, principal at Tyndale House, said the steel signing marked the point at which the project became a lasting part of the site’s history.
Legal 500 (UK) 2027 – Greene & Greene
‘Extremely knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile for clients’
Greene & Greene has reinforced its position as one of the region’s leading law firms in the Legal 500 UK 2027 rankings, securing recognition across multiple practice areas. The firm retains three Tier 1 rankings and seven recommended practice areas, while 12 Leading Partners, two Next Generation Partners and seven Leading Associates have also been recognised.
Reflecting the firm’s reputation for delivering exceptional client service and technical expertise, Legal 500 testimonials described Greene & Greene as ‘extremely knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile for clients’ and praised the firm’s ability to ‘master the ability to be a local legal firm and yet still provide industry-leading advice’.
Among the firm’s Tier 1 rankings, the Corporate team was recognised for the quality of its advice across a broad range of sectors and transactions, with clients highlighting the team’s responsiveness, professionalism and commercial approach. The Commercial Litigation team also retained its top ranking, with head of department Rob Adam praised for his experience, strategic thinking and ability to achieve positive outcomes in complex disputes. Managing Partner Simon Ratcliffe (photo, above) said: “….As an independent Suffolk-based firm, it is especially pleasing to be recognised alongside some of the UK’s leading law firms while continuing to deliver the personal service and close client relationships for which we are known.” Read more here…
For a full list of rankings and client testimonials, visit Greene & Greene’s Legal 500 profile.
Legal 500 (UK) 2027 – Fisher Jones Greenwood
Recognition for established specialists and emerging leaders
Fisher Jones Greenwood (FJG) has secured continued recognition in the latest Legal 500 rankings. The firm retained its tier 1 family law ranking for the 13th year running and achieved recognition across seven practice areas and saw 17 colleagues named in the independent legal directory. Ashton Carter and Rachel Earnshaw have been named as ‘leading partners’, while Ashlee Campbell and Keeley Miller are ‘next generation partners’. FJG’s family law team saw recognition for practice head Charlotte Knappett, alongside Joel Tyson, Michael Hick, Rachel Earnshaw and Samantha Howlett. The firm’s corporate and commercial team has also strengthened its position, achieving a tier 3 ranking in Essex. Doug Field, managing partner at FJG, said: “We want talented people to do ambitious work here, take responsibility, develop their expertise and see a future for themselves at FJG. Recognition for both established specialists and an emerging generation of leaders is encouraging evidence of that progress.”
Photos(clockwise from top left): Ashlee Campbell, Ashton Carter, Rachel Earnshaw and Keeley Miller
Turnover at law firm set to pass £50 million
A record 59 Howes Percival lawyers were recognised in The Legal 500 2027 up from 48 last year. The firm is ranked Tier 1 in 13 practice areas and recommended in 21 overall across its offices in Cambridge, Leicester, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Norwich and Oxford. Turnover grew 12 per cent in the year to end-March 2026 and the firm expects to pass £50 million this year. Chair Geraint Davies said: “Fifty-nine of our lawyers recognised, more than ever before, isn’t a happy accident. We’ve invested heavily in developing our own people, and we’re now attracting lawyers from other firms who want to be part of a business that’s growing.”
Law firm takes on largest-ever group of trainees
Law firm Birketts has appointed its largest-ever trainee solicitor cohort for 2026, with 37 future solicitors joining the firm. Joining teams across all seven of Birketts’ offices, this year’s intake includes 11 internal candidates who are developing their career at the firm. Each trainee will gain hands-on experience through the firm’s comprehensive two-year training programme. Amy Barden, early careers manager at Birketts, said: “This is an exciting milestone for Birketts and reflects our continued commitment to investing in future legal talent. Over the next two years, the trainees will gain experience across a broad range of sectors and services, while learning from colleagues across the firm.
Insurance broker recognised for strength of landlord insurance
Norwich-based insurance broker Alan Boswell Group, which has offices across the region, has been recognised by the consumer organisation Which? for the strength of its landlord insurance. Two of its policies have been named Which? Best Buys for 2026; the fourth year running the group has achieved the status. The review assessed 116 policy elements, including buildings insurance, contents cover, landlord liabilities, rent cover, and the excess. Two of the group’s exclusive schemes were awarded Which? Best Buy Status, making it the only provider to receive the status for more than one policy this year. The group has a number of exclusive landlord insurance schemes available including its Aviva and Intact Insurance solutions, which received the awards. Heath Alexander-Bew, personal lines director at Alan Boswell Group, said: “Our landlord team works hard to negotiate comprehensive, competitive cover for clients, and this continued recognition reflects the strength of our policy design, client service, and understanding of the private rented sector.”
See Profile Alan Boswell Group
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