HR & Legal SSC

Strong Overall Offer

Birmingham represents a potentially lucrative destination for UK legal firms seeking expansion opportunities:

Large existing fee base: in excess of £500 million in fee income is generated by Birmingham's legal sector
Established base from which to expand: 40% of this fee income is derived from clients outside the region
Best future growth prospects: employment in professional and financial services in greater Birmingham increased by 37% between 1995 and 2001. This was above regional (29.8%) and national (32.7%) levels; and is forecast to grow another 39% by 2015
Depth of legal talent:
- 3,500 solicitors and 500 barristers work in Birmingham.
- A total of 17,000 people are employed in Birmingham's 900+ legal firms.
- Birmingham also now has the UK's largest branch of the College of Law (520 students enrolled)
Connected professional community: Birmingham boasts the largest professional and financial services sector outside London; the two largest sets of barrister's chambers in the country; and local law society. 50 major property firms. One of Europe's largest insurance markets.

The sound business case for Birmingham is illustrated by the number of firms that have moved and expanded their practices over the past few years to join Birmingham's strong legal sector, including:

Centre of Legal Excellence

The Birmingham legal market remains as vibrant and competitive as ever, attracting some of the UK's leading firms. Birmingham's legal sector has always been strong, home to the country's largest local law society; largest set of barristers' chambers in the country; and the newest branch of the College of Law. Local firms are able to find all the support they need right on their doorstep.

A swathe of firms reported impressive gains in turnover throughout the year as the key drivers - corporate and commercial property - held up well in the face of any impending downturn. For clients, it all means a high level of service at competitive rates. Clients also enjoy the benefits ensuing from the national practices of four firms in the Birmingham market, namely Eversheds, Pinsent Masons, DLA and Hammonds. One firm that has resolutely maintained Birmingham as its principal base, and remains the region's leading practise is Wragge & Co., a 539-strong fee earning legal giant.

The UK Legal 500 recommends the following as the West Midland's regional heavyweight firms in terms of size, resources, quantity and quality of work: