Yorkshire’s legal sector has secured a strong presence in the 2025 edition of The Legal 500, with nearly 550 rankings across 45 practice areas.
The guide assesses almost 1,200 UK firms and more than 13,000 lawyers. In Yorkshire, Walker Morris, DLA Piper and Addleshaw Goddard led the listings, recording 24, 24 and 23 firm rankings respectively, alongside more than 40 individual lawyer rankings each. Pinsent Masons and Irwin Mitchell completed the top five, achieving 19 and 18 firm rankings.
The year saw notable consolidation. Wilkin Chapman and Rollits merged, creating a wider presence across Hull, York, and Beverley. Sheffield-based Bell & Buxton joined Sills & Betteridge in September, while Lupton Fawcett was acquired by Flint Bishop, strengthening Leeds as a key hub.
In Leeds, Walker Morris retained its position as the city’s leading independent firm, with Clarion close behind on 16 total rankings. Sheffield’s main players highlighted were CMS, DLA Piper and Irwin Mitchell. Hull continued to demonstrate a distinctive market identity, with Andrew Jackson, Gosschalks and the newly merged Wilkin Chapman Rollits performing strongly.
The 2026 edition of The Legal 500 will be the first to include a law firm comparison tool, enabling side-by-side analysis of rankings, matters, and lawyer recognition.
