We are delighted to share Farleys’ results in The Legal 500 2027, one of the legal profession’s most respected independent directories. The guide recognises law firms and lawyers based on detailed research, client feedback and peer recommendations, highlighting excellence in legal expertise, technical ability and client service.
This year, Farleys has been ranked across Crime, Corporate & Commercial, Commercial Litigation, Commercial Property, Family, Insolvency & Corporate Recovery, Personal Injury and Sports Law. A particular highlight is our Commercial Property team’s promotion from Tier 3 to Tier 2, reflecting the department’s continued growth, expertise and commitment to client service.
We are also proud that our Crime team has maintained its Tier 1 ranking, reinforcing its reputation as one of the leading criminal law practices in the region.
Our Crime team continues to be recognised for handling some of the most serious and complex cases, including fraud, homicide, business crime and drug conspiracy matters. Led by Bridgette Hibbert, David Caplin, Jonathan Taylor and Paul Schofield, the team is praised for the strength of expertise it provides to clients facing challenging legal situations.
Individual recognition was awarded to Bridgette for her work in serious crime and Proceeds of Crime matters, David for his expertise in money laundering and tax evasion investigations, and Jonathan for his broad-ranging criminal defence practice.
Our Corporate & Commercial team has once again been recognised for supporting businesses across Lancashire, Manchester and the wider North West. Advising owner-managed businesses, SMEs and larger corporate groups, the team handles mergers, acquisitions, investments, restructures, disposals and joint ventures.
Led by Debbie King and Richard Bell, the department is recognised for its extensive experience across a range of sectors. Debbie’s longstanding expertise in corporate law is highlighted, while Richard is recognised as a trusted adviser to SME clients.
The Family team continues to be praised for its work across a broad range of sensitive and complex matters, including divorce, financial remedy proceedings, private children disputes, care proceedings and safeguarding issues.
Led by Antonia Love and Emma Procter, the department supports families across Lancashire, Manchester and beyond. The Legal 500 highlights Antonia’s expertise in divorce and financial matters, while Emma is recognised for her work representing parents in complex care proceedings. Ian Brunt and Katie Sharples are also named as key members of the team.
One of the standout achievements in this year’s rankings is the Commercial Property team’s move into Tier 2.
Acting for developers, investors, landlords, tenants and businesses, the team is recognised for its practical and commercially focused approach to property transactions and development projects. The improved ranking reflects both the department’s growth and the quality of service it delivers to clients across the region.
Our Commercial Litigation team has again secured recognition for providing strategic, practical advice to businesses across a range of sectors.
The department assists clients with complex disputes, focusing on commercially effective and cost-efficient solutions. Its continued ranking reflects both its technical expertise and commitment to achieving positive outcomes for clients.
Our Personal Injury team has maintained a strong Tier 2 ranking, supporting clients from our Manchester and Burnley offices in serious injury, clinical negligence and inquest matters.
Led by Jonathan Bridge, the team includes Nick Molyneux, who specialises in serious brain and spinal injury cases, alongside Kelly Darlington, who has been recognised as a Next Generation Partner, and Jane Chadwick and Alice Wood, all recognised for their expertise and dedication to securing the best possible outcomes for clients and their families.
Farleys’ Sports Law team has once again been recognised among the region’s leading sports law practices.
The department advises professional clubs, governing bodies, athletes and sports businesses on a wide range of legal matters. Daniel Draper is again recognised as a Leading Partner, reflecting both his individual expertise and the continued success of the team. Atif Nazir is also highlighted for his work in contentious sports matters and contract negotiations, further demonstrating the breadth of expertise within the department.
Alongside the firm’s departmental rankings, several Farleys lawyers have received individual recognition within the 2027 guide. Bridgette Hibbert, Paul Schofield and David Caplin are recognised as Leading Partners in General Crime and Fraud, while Jonathan Bridge and Daniel Draper have also achieved Leading Partner status in their respective practice areas. Kelly Darlington has been recognised as a Next Generation Partner in Personal Injury: Claimant.
Commenting on the results, Joint Managing Partner Ian Liddle said:
We are delighted to see so many of our teams and individuals recognised in The Legal 500 2027 rankings. These results reflect the hard work, dedication and expertise of our colleagues across the firm, as well as the trust our clients continue to place in us. We are particularly pleased to see our Commercial Property team achieve an improved ranking this year, alongside the continued success of so many other departments and individuals across the firm.
We would like to thank our clients, referrers and professional contacts for their continued support and valuable feedback. Their trust enables us to maintain the high standards that have contributed to this year’s success and helps us continue building on these achievements.
For a full breakdown of this year’s results, visit our Legal 500 profile.
