Strong presence for WHN Solicitors in influential Legal 500 guide

Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall (WHN) Solicitors has been recommended in a highly-regarded independent guide to the UK’s top lawyers and legal firms for the fifth consecutive year.

Ten members of the WHN team have been personally recommended in the 2026 edition of the Legal 500 UK Guide, regarded as a leading guide to lawyers and law firms, with five teams ranked across the firm’s business and family law departments.

WHN’s family team has been promoted from Tier Four to Tier Three in the guide.

David Connor is individually recommended for matrimonial finance work, as well as Tanya Magell who is cited as a leading associate, specialising in Children Act proceedings.

The firm has consolidated its place across the North West rankings for commercial property, property litigation, commercial litigation and corporate and commercial, and WHN has been noted in the guide for its ‘extensive experience’ and ‘excellent professional and personal approach’ as well as for being ‘efficient and helpful’.

‘Trusted adviser’ Michael Shroot and Sara Beaumont have both been personally recommended for commercial litigation.

Daniel Long is recommended and Eleanor Longworth noted as a leading associate for property litigation, with the guide citing the team’s experience in complex property litigation issues.

 Katie Hall and Nicola Phelps are recommended for commercial property, with Nicola highlighted as a ‘specialist in high-profile development and redevelopment work’.

Paul Matthews has gained personal recognition for his ‘superb attention to detail’ as part of WHN’s ‘excellent’ corporate and commercial team.

Michael Shroot, chief executive, WHN Solicitors said: “Central to WHN’s ethos is building deep, long-term relationships with our clients, and that really shines through in this year’s Legal 500 rankings.

 “Our clients trust us with highly complex matters, both in their business and personal lives, and this trust allows us to use our knowledge and experience to advise and support them.

"Our clients and professional contacts have taken the time to provide in-depth feedback on our work and we would like to thank them for contributing to the research process for this year’s guide.

 “The rankings reflect not only the specialist expertise we hold, delivered by leading individuals in defined areas of law, but also the dedication of the whole firm to providing high-quality legal advice with a personal and professional approach. Every member of staff has contributed to our success in the rankings and I’d like to thank them for their hard work.”

WHN employs over 100 staff in offices in Accrington, Bacup, Blackburn, Bury, Clitheroe, Great Harwood, Haslington, Rawtenstall and Salford.