People investment drives record 2027 Legal 500 rankings for Harrison Drury

Lancashire law firm Harrison Drury has achieved its strongest showing yet in the prestigious Legal 500 rankings, with 14 departments and 10 individuals ranked in the latest edition of the acclaimed legal industry guide. 

The firm has increased the number of departments and individuals recognised in the 2027 Legal 500, which independently assesses the capabilities of law firms and lawyers across the UK. 

Among this year’s successes, Harrison Drury’s licensing team has been promoted to Tier 1, while its construction team and Manchester corporate and commercial team have both moved from ‘Firms to Watch’ into the tiered rankings. 

The firm’s commercial property team retains its Tier 1 status, while its commercial litigation and agriculture and estates teams are ranked Tier 2. 

Harrison Drury also secured a new ‘Firm to Watch’ ranking for its property litigation expertise in the north. 

A significant number of Harrison Drury lawyers are named as recommended lawyers across the guide, five of whom appear across two categories, while 10 have received individual recognition in the Legal 500’s Leading Partners, Next Generation Partners and Leading Associates categories. 

Simon England (commercial property), Malcolm Ireland (licensing), Richard Life (corporate and commercial: Manchester) and James Robbins (insolvency and corporate recovery) are recognised as Leading Partners. 

Hannah Hughes (commercial property),) and Asima Rana (intellectual property) are rated as Next Generation Partners, while Helen Griffin (commercial litigation), Lara Watts (commercial property), Lucy Benton (commercial property) and Samantha Faud (licensing) are recognised as Leading Associates. 

Simon England, managing partner at Harrison Drury, said: “Our continued progress in the Legal 500 is something everyone at Harrison Drury can be proud of because it reflects the quality of our people and the work they do for our clients every day. 

“We’ve continued to invest significantly in attracting, developing and supporting talented people across the firm and it’s particularly rewarding to see more of our teams and individuals receiving recognition for their expertise.

“The Legal 500 rankings draw heavily on feedback from those who experience our people and work first-hand, so I’d like to thank our clients, referrers and professional contacts who took the time to support our submissions and share their experiences of working with us.”

The Legal 500 has guided clients on the best law firms, solicitors and barristers worldwide for more than three decades. Its rankings are based on research that includes submissions from law firms as well as interviews and feedback from clients and other legal professionals. 

Simon added: “We want Harrison Drury to be a place where ambitious people can do the best and most rewarding work of their careers, surrounded by great colleagues and clients who value what they do. 

“We’re continuing to grow and we’re always interested in speaking to talented lawyers who share our values and our commitment to making it possible for our clients, communities and each other. 

“The strength and depth recognised in this year’s Legal 500 results gives us another excellent platform to continue that growth.”