Category: Private Practice

Winner: Gordons

Until Wm Morrison retained its long-term adviser Gordons to act on the Safeway takeover, little was known of the firm outside Yorkshire. Since then, Gordons’ reputation as a no-nonsense commercial law firm has spread well beyond the county. But the firm’s year was not just about supermarkets. Gordons has made some high-profile lateral hires, including partners Peter Barton, David Smyllie and Rupert Nevin, all from DLA, private client partner Rachel Tunnicliffe from Addleshaw Goddard and litigation partner Matthew Howarth from Burges Salmon. It has also been on the acquisition rampage since the turn of the century, with mergers in 2000, 2002 and 2004, creating a firm with a combined turnover of £15m.


Second: Heatons Solicitors

Stoke-on-Trent firm Heatons has gone from strength to strength in the past year after winning no fewer than three instructions from mainstay Allen & Overy client Baugur. Last month the giant Icelandic retailer instructed Heatons in relation to its £110m acquisition of UK jewellery retailer Goldsmiths. Prior to this the firm was brought in to act for Baugur on the £152m purchase of high street women’s clothing retailer Oasis and the acquisition of UK foods group Julian Graves. The instructions were a major coup for the nine-partner practice, which typically advises on deals valued at between £1m and £30m.


Third: Clintons

Clintons has long been one of London’s leading media and entertainment boutiques. Its client list in music is especially strong, with artists such as The Who, UB40, the Stereophonics and Muse. But Clintons is about more than just music. It also advises clients in sport, film, theatre, TV and publishing. Along with its stellar client list, the firm prides itself on its low staff turnover. No equity partner has left the firm (other than to retire) in the last 10 years and none has ever joined a competing practice. Financially Clintons also appears sound, with its £8m turnover up 10 per cent on last year and profits up an impressive 30 per cent.

Entry Criteria

This award is a recognition that small is often beautiful when it comes to clients’ needs. The judges are looking for imagination, dynamism and clear strategic thinking, as well as a presence far greater than the firm’s physical size.

Sponsors message

Aon Professional Risks is a major insurance and risk management intermediary for solicitors in the UK with clients ranging from the Magic Circle firms to sole practitioners, and from general practitioners to specialists. Our position as a leading provider of insurance for professional services firms and in particular our strong presence in the legal sector, means that we understand what it takes to strive for and achieve excellence.

We are delighted to sponsor the Niche Firm of the Year Award and congratulate all those firms who have demonstrated their commitment to excellence in a niche field, setting new standards in their specialist area.

Congratulations to all the nominees, and in particular to the lucky winner.