Boutique Law Firm of the Year
With specialist law firms striking an increasingly confident note in the market, this award will be handed to a niche practice onshore or offshore in the UK that has performed exceptionally in terms of rapidly establishing itself, approaching its chosen market creatively and effectively competing against far larger competition.
2019 Winner
Northridge Law
Jon Walters
This newcomer, a spin-off of Charles Russell Speechlys’ sports law team in late 2017, has quickly become the quintessential boutique practice: tightly focused, lean and commercially successful. Clients include the FA and a suite of individual Premier League players.
Shortlisted
Cooke, Young & Keidan - HIGHLY COMMENDED
Robert Coffey
Another disputes boutique punching above its weight in the London litigation arena, CYK saw revenue growth of 29% in the last year and generates 75% of its income from areas outside financial services.
BDM Law
Nick Burgess
Shipping, trade and insurance specialist BDM has performed exceptionally since establishing in 2015. Clients include the International Group of P&I Clubs, which collectively insures the liabilities of around 90% of the world’s fleet and the firm predicts turnover for 2019 of over £3m – almost a 100% increase on 2017.
CANDEY
Ashkhan Candey, Andrew Dunn
With an ever-growing reputation in the City disputes market, this 20-lawyer firm regularly clashes with some of the UK’s biggest firms in the courtroom – little wonder, then, that PEP is in excess of £3m. Highlights include a third vital win for client Peak Hotels and Resorts against KPMG in the Court of Appeal.
Fox & Partners
Catriona Watt
Founded in 2006 by veteran partnership law specialist Ronnie Fox, this employment practice has gone from strength to strength, culminating in a successful handover of the business to its current three-partner team. Revenues are projected to grow by more than 25% in 2018/19, the first full year of operation under the new ownership.
Ignition Law
Alex McPherson
A spin-off from successful boutique gunnercooke in 2017, Ignition has hit the ground running. In 2018, turnover increased by 63% to £2.35m compared to its first months of operation the year before. A strong operations team means that the percentage of clients with outstanding invoices over 90 days old is only 2%.
Kemp Little
Andrew Joint
One of the most established specialist practices in City law, Kemp Little has been a successful operation since 1997. This technology specialist has adapted to the market so successfully over the years that it is now a £13.7m business, increasing turnover 12% on the previous year.