Manchester a top-tier city for law firms, finds report

New research examining the distribution of law firms and solicitors across the UK has placed Manchester in the top tier.

The Law in the Regions report from real estate services firm CBRE has found that Manchester has over 750,000 sq ft of office space occupied by law firms, placing it in the top tier alongside Bristol and Birmingham.

The ranking also puts Manchester well ahead of other key northern cities in this regard, including Liverpool and Leeds, which were found to have between 300,000 and 500,000 sq ft occupied by legal sector firms.

Manchester was likewise top of the list for the total yearly rental income paid by law firms, at £13.5m, and had more fee earners than anywhere outside London with around 2,000 practising lawyers.

CBRE’s MD for the North West, John Ogden, said: “This latest research is fantastic news for the Manchester office market, confirming the city’s strong appeal to the legal sector, which has turned a corner since the global financial crisis.

“The legal sector’s increased buoyancy is tempered by enhanced pressure from ambitious competitors within their market who are competing for greater market share, and also from their corporate clients seeking to maximise value for money.”

He continued: “As a result we are seeing vigorous levels of office occupier activity from law firms as they review their business models and look to align their real estate to future plans.

“The emphasis on cost reduction is leading to a wave of expansion outside of London, in key regional cities such as Manchester where firms can operate at a substantial discount within buildings of excellence.”

While Manchester came third for overall floorspace, the city ranked first in terms of the total number of legal offices, at 42. Edinburgh, which has 29, came in second place.

Emma Jackson, an associate director in CBRE’s research business, commented: “Key to our findings is that one size does not fit all when it comes to real estate strategy.

“Different business models and location starting points will require different real estate strategies, and as a result we are seeing very different uses of regional cities between firms.”

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