Ford & Warren

Leeds-based Ford & Warren chose not to participate in the UK 200 for the 2011–12 financial year, but The Lawyerestimates a five per cent dip in turnover, which is broadly in line with the figures from firms of a similar size and client base, from £10.6m to £10.1m.

Ford & Warren is an independent, full-service firm that focuses on public sector clients in areas such as health and education, as well as transport (led by well-known partner Gary Hodgson) and insurance-related business.

These have been tough areas from which to drive turnover, with shrinking markets and clients looking to cut back on fees.

Managing partner Peter McWilliams has stepped up from the senior partner role to take over leadership of the firm from Keith Hearn.

Notable instructions during 2011–12 included successfully representing the owners of an adventure centre against a multi-million-pound damages claim by a teacher left paralysed in a freak ‘welly-wanging’ accident.

Ford & Warren has an affiliate office in Toronto, as well as a relationship with Chinese firm Zhonglun W&D.

Included among the firm’s high-profile clients are athlete Dwain Chambers and haulage firm Eddie Stobart.