Foot Anstey’s record revenues to support development of national law firm in Manchester

• Revenues climb nationally at law firm to more than £75m
• Manchester poised as ‘major strategic hub’ for more growth in region
• Focus on key sectors including retail, sport, infrastructure and technology which drive Manchester’s £100bn economy
• Law firm donates 1% of net profits to charities

National law firm Foot Anstey has confirmed that, as part of its wider growth strategy, Manchester is a key target location for future growth, a move underpinned by the firm’s strongest-ever financial results, which saw revenues climb to a record £76.9 million in the 2024/25 financial year.

The firm, which has a sector specialist approach to its legal services, currently employs more than 700 people and also has offices in Bristol, Belfast, Exeter, London, Plymouth and Southampton.

It now plans to grow its headcount in the North West region and further develop its legal offering in line with key business growth sectors of retail, sports, infrastructure and technology.

The law firm was one of the first in the UK to confirm a pledge to donate 1% of its net profits annually to a wide range of charitable programmes. This includes a long-term partnership with Young Enterprise as part of its commitment to improving social mobility across the UK.

Martin Hirst, Managing Partner at Foot Anstey, said:

“The high calibre of our established team in Manchester as well as positive economic data gives us the confidence to make further investment in Manchester and the wider North West region.

“Greater Manchester is one of the UK's fastest-growing city-regions in the UK. It is home to one of the UK’s most dynamic digital and tech clusters, with over 10,000 tech businesses and sector growth outpacing the national average.

“It is an exceptional environment for ambitious clients and the legal talent that supports them. Manchester is the perfect city to develop our sector specialist approach across the North West region.”

The firm has a strong partner trio leading the presence in Manchester.

• Tom Kershaw joined from boohoo group plc, where he spent over a decade as General Counsel and brings this specialist legal experience to the retail and consumer sectors.
• Melanie McGuirk, who previously headed the intellectual property litigation team at Pannone Corporate is recognised in The Legal 500 "Hall of Fame" and has a strong sector focus on retail and technology.  
• Jan Levinson, an experienced commercial litigation partner, brings decades of experience in high-stakes disputes, including in the sports sector, after time in senior roles at DAC Beachcroft and Squire Patton Boggs.

Tom Kershaw, said: 

“Our record national revenue has enabled the firepower to invest, and we are now actively building on the strong team we already have in place here in the North West. The strength of Manchester’s economy is a major part of that decision. It’s a city that is growing in confidence and capability, attracting high-growth companies and exceptional talent and we’re committed to being part of that continued growth.”

Melanie McGuirk, said: 

"The North West is a powerhouse of leading businesses and brands, but many are now at a crossroads, facing huge opportunities and significant reputational threats from new technology like AI. Our planned development of our Manchester office allows us to deepen our support for these businesses, protecting their most valuable assets, their brand and their intellectual property as they innovate.”

Jan Levinson, said: 

"Manchester is central to our strategy. We are building a powerhouse law firm in the city, backed by exceptional talent and a clear vision for growth. Over the coming year, we will continue to expand our capability to support the most complex commercial disputes and high-value advisory matters, working alongside the region’s most ambitious organisations and leaders”