Law firms, strategy, finances and the market for legal services.
Horwich Farrelly said in an announcement on its website on 29 October 2026 that it has launched a new brand identity, Hempsons by HF, for the health and social care law firm following its acquisition in May.
Stephenson Harwood said it has agreed to acquire DLA Piper's Bangkok office, launching a new office in Thailand with more than 40 staff including four partners.
DAC Beachcroft said in an announcement on its website on 26 October 2026 that it had opened its first Middle East office in the Dubai International Financial Centre, bringing in three partners from Clyde & Co.
Teesside firm Cygnet Law has launched a dedicated service for neurodivergent clients across its family, conveyancing and wills departments, after staff trained with the local autism charity Daisy Chain.
Leathes Prior said in an announcement on its website that it has taken on new office space at Seebohm House in Norwich, in the year it marks 150 years since its founding.
Andrew Hosking and Jamie Taylor of BTG Begbies Traynor have been appointed administrators of Rahman Ravelli Solicitors Ltd, according to a notice filed with the High Court.
Stone King said in an announcement on its website that it had acquired Tacit Legal, bringing three partners into its commercial team to strengthen its technology, media and AI expertise.
The Chester-based law firm passed resolutions to wind up voluntarily on 15 October 2026, with a liquidator appointed from Marshall Peters.
Legal Aid Agency figures published on 24 September 2026 count 2,012 contracted legal aid providers and 3,944 duty solicitors, against 5,240 duty solicitors in October 2017.
Sandra Fender of Sanderlings LLP has been appointed administrator of the company, which trades as MSR Solicitors from an address on New Bridge Street, London.
The west London law centre, which had served the area for more than 40 years, has permanently closed after an earlier temporary suspension, the Law Centres Network has confirmed.
SRA figures for August 2026 count 8,923 regulated law firms, down 110 on a year earlier, while the number of practising solicitors rose by 4,917 to 179,054.
Manchester-based Express Solicitors says it has recorded turnover of £117.2m, according to a statement issued by the firm.
The latest reporting season points to a resilient top line across the largest UK practices, though partners warn that rising costs are steadily squeezing margins.
Elevated company failures and a steady stream of director disqualifications are keeping insolvency and restructuring lawyers among the busiest in the market.
