Harrison Drury achieves record Legal 500 ranking

Harrison Drury, an independent law firm based in the North, has made remarkable strides in the latest 2027 Legal 500 rankings, achieving its best performance to date. This comes as a result of the firm’s commitment to investing in its people, with 14 departments and 10 individuals featuring in this renowned legal industry guide, which assesses law firms and lawyers across the UK.

This year’s highlights include the licensing team, which has ascended to Tier 1, and both the construction team and the Manchester corporate and commercial team that have progressed from ‘Firms to Watch’ into tiered rankings. The commercial property team at Harrison Drury has successfully maintained its Tier 1 status, while the commercial litigation and agriculture and estates teams are now ranked Tier 2. A new ‘Firm to Watch’ designation has also been awarded to Harrison Drury for its expertise in property litigation in the North region.

The 2027 edition shines a spotlight on a significant number of Harrison Drury’s lawyers, many of whom are cited as recommended experts across various legal categories. Notably, five of these lawyers are recognised across two categories, illustrating the depth of talent within the firm. Individual accolades have been awarded to 10 members in the Legal 500’s Leading Partners, Next Generation Partners, and Leading Associates categories.

Leaders such as Simon England, who heads commercial property, Malcolm Ireland from licensing, Richard Life in corporate and commercial for Manchester, and James Robbins in insolvency and corporate recovery are acknowledged as Leading Partners. Meanwhile, Hannah Hughes in commercial property and Asima Rana for intellectual property are acclaimed as Next Generation Partners. Leading Associates include Helen Griffin (commercial litigation), Lara Watts (commercial property), Lucy Benton (commercial property), and Samantha Faud (licensing).

Simon England, managing partner of the firm, expressed pride in the accomplishment, stating that “Our continued progress in the Legal 500 is something everyone at Harrison Drury can be proud of because it reflects the quality of our people and the work they do for our clients every day.” He credited the firm's continued investment in developing and supporting talented lawyers, noting that recognition from clients and partners is especially rewarding. He thanked clients, referrers, and professional contacts for their cooperation in supporting the firm’s submissions, stressing that the Legal 500 rankings greatly rely on feedback from those who have experienced their services firsthand.

With over three decades of experience, the Legal 500 has been a trusted guide for clients seeking top law firms, solicitors, and barristers globally. Its rankings are meticulously compiled through research that includes submissions from law firms, as well as interviews and feedback from clients and other legal professionals.

Simon further commented on the firm's vision, saying “We want Harrison Drury to be a place where ambitious people can do the best and most rewarding work of their careers, surrounded by great colleagues and clients who value what they do.” He emphasized the ongoing growth of the firm and the strong desire to attract talented lawyers who align with their values. Such outstanding performance in this year's Legal 500 provides Harrison Drury with an excellent platform for continued expansion in the legal landscape.

The recommended lawyers and other ranked individuals from Harrison Drury in the Legal 500 2027 include a diverse range of talents across different specialisations, affirming the firm’s significant presence in the legal sector.