

Firm Improves Its Positions In Four Key Areas According To Independent Guide
Irwin Mitchell’s on-going investment in expanding its Business Legal Services (BLS) team has been recognised once again with another strong performance in the latest Legal 500 league tables.
Across the UK, Irwin Mitchell’s BLS division had 60 of its lawyers recommended and in addition to maintaining its already strong position within the annual independent legal directory, the firm improved its ranking in four areas and secured league table positions in six categories for the first time.
Expert Opinion
“I’m delighted with what is another strong set of results in this year’s Legal 500 and I’m particularly pleased to see that the investment we have made in developing the business is continuing to translate into improved ranking positions in established areas as well as new ones.” Niall Baker - Managing Partner - Court of Protection and Public Law
Following a financial year in which BLS once again saw a double-digit growth in income, Irwin Mitchell is recognised in the guide as a leading firm in the areas of Real Estate, Corporate & Commercial, Employment, Banking & Finance, Pensions, Commercial Litigation and Regulatory work.
The firm’s Real Estate team performed strongly across the UK. Highlights include the Sheffield office retaining its number one ranking and the London office improving its position within the categories of ‘Commercial Property’ and ‘Property Finance’.
In the area of Commercial Litigation, the Sheffield office was also ranked in top spot and in London and Glasgow the firm retained its number one position for debt recovery work. IM’s Property Litigation and Dispute Resolution teams in Manchester entered the Legal 500 league tables for the first time.
The firm’s investment in establishing its Banking & Finance department also saw the firm debut in a number of business categories. The fast-growing team received its first ranking in Manchester whilst in Yorkshire it moved up into third position. The Pensions department, also in Yorkshire, improved again with a second place ranking.
Expert Opinion
“I’d like to congratulate all the teams for their hard work. We have invested heavily again in the business during the previous 12 months to strengthen our teams and boost our range of services. Already in 2015, we have made 10 new Partner appointments and also recruited to provide important strength in depth. I’m excited about the progress that we are making and certainly look forward seeing further improvements in our rankings next year.” Niall Baker - Managing Partner - Court of Protection and Public Law
So far this year, Irwin Mitchell in London has announced the arrival of Pensions Partner, Penny Cogher, Planning Partner Martha Grekos, Corporate Partner Simon Griffiths and Litigation Partner Donna Goldsworthy.
Other partner hires in 2015 are Yorkshire-based Employment specialist Kirsty Ayre and Corporate Partner Philip Goldsborough who both moved to Irwin Mitchell from Pinsent Masons. Restructuring Partner Stephen George, Real Estate Partner Ben Acheson and Commercial Litigation specialist Simon Ellis have also arrived at the Birmingham office of Irwin Mitchell since the start of 2015.