The latest edition of The Legal 500 UK has placed East Midlands firms among the strongest performers in the national legal sector, with corporate expansion, sector-specific pressures, and high-profile mergers shaping the region’s profile.
The 2026 guide covers nearly 1,200 firms and more than 13,000 individuals, highlighting developments in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and Northampton. It comes after a year marked by market turbulence following the change of government in 2024 and subsequent policy shifts. Transaction activity surged in the run-up to the election but slowed as businesses adjusted to the Autumn Budget. Agricultural law has been particularly active, with changes to reliefs and inheritance tax driving demand for advisory work and disputes. Litigation has increased more broadly, reflecting economic pressures and a rise in landlord and tenant cases.
Freeths expanded both team and client base, while national operators such as Eversheds Sutherland and Shakespeare Martineau maintained a significant presence. Regional independents, including BHW Solicitors and Lawson West, continue to be recognised for specialisms in corporate and employment law. Consolidation has also reshaped the landscape, with Wilkin Chapman merging with Rollits in April 2025 and Flint Bishop acquiring Lupton Fawcett in September.
Across 30 practice areas, Shakespeare Martineau secured 21 rankings, with Browne Jacobson, Freeths and Nelsons close behind at 20 each, and Howes Percival following with 17. Freeths also leads in lawyer recognition with 39 individuals listed. The new guide introduces a comparison tool allowing direct benchmarking of firms across rankings, casework and lawyer accolades.
