The Legal 500 has published its UK rankings for 2026, once again recognising the expertise of both individuals and teams at Farleys Solicitors across multiple practice areas.

Now in its 39th year, The Legal 500 independently reviews and ranks law firms around the globe, covering over 150 jurisdictions. Each year the guide is updated to reflect the changing legal landscape, shining a spotlight on firms and individuals who are delivering innovative and outstanding legal services to their clients.

This year’s results once again highlight Farleys as one of the North West’s leading firms, with strong team and individual rankings secured across a wide range of practice areas, including Crime, Corporate & Commercial, Commercial Litigation, Commercial Property, Family, Insolvency, Personal Injury & Sports Law.

The Legal 500 rankings are informed by extensive client research, and once again our clients provided excellent feedback across the board:

Our criminal defence team have maintained their ranking as a top tier firm, with feedback from peers praising the team as “exceptional” with standards “above industry norm” and standout recognition both regionally and nationally. With strong leadership from Paul Schofield “one of the UK’s leading defence solicitors” and Bridgette Hibbert, known for her clear communication; the team are described as “excellent individually and collectively,” setting the industry standard.

In Corporate and Commercial, the team led by Debbie King and Richard Bell are described as “approachable, professional, and highly knowledgeable in their specialist fields”.

Farleys’ family team, led by the “extremely competent and knowledgeable” Antonia Love are praised for their efficiency, responsiveness, and ability to handle any situation, with clients also feeding back that Emma Procter “provides a dedicated service to her clients, has great attention to detail and client care”.

Praised as “approachable, welcoming, and reassuring, always dealing with client concerns promptly”, our personal injury team have maintained their long presence in the guide, with Jonathan Bridge highlighted for his “supportive and understanding approach”. Michael Corrigan and Jane Chadwick are also commended for “achieving excellent outcomes against the odds”.

Our regional commercial litigation team have enjoyed another year’s strong rankings. Described as “very commercially switched on” and “one of Manchester’s strongest local firms”, clients and peers describe Dan Draper as “incredibly personable and has very sound judgment”.

Mark Hague is also recognised with glowing feedback including “what makes him and Farleys stand out to me is their ability to move quickly, his availability to answer questions and offer guidance is outstanding”.

Our insolvency team are praised for being “focused, collaborative, and dynamic, with a strong ability to deliver results”, with individual feedback stating that Mark Hague is “able to find commercial solutions that others are not. His willingness to go the extra mile for clients is exceptional”.

Our “extremely efficient, proactive, and client-focused” Commercial Property team are praised for “quickly identifying issues and providing clear solutions”. Stephen Greenwood is highlighted as “a real expert in commercial property, known for simplifying complex matters and driving deals forward with initiative”.

Farleys specialist sports law team are “pragmatic, and sector-savvy, helping clients navigate complex sports law issues”. Dan Draper is praised as a “standout lawyer in the sector, especially in boxing, combining technical expertise with strategic, client-focused advice” and Atif Nazir is highlighted as “one to watch” for his growing reputation in FA disciplinary matters.

Individual Recognition

In addition to departmental rankings, several of our lawyers have been personally recognised in the 2026 guide:

  • Leading Individuals: David Caplin (Crime) Paul Schofield (Crime), Bridgette Hibbert (Crime), Jonathan Bridge (Abuse Claims), Daniel Draper (Commercial Litigation)

  • Next Generation Partner: Kelly Darlington (Inquests)

Key Lawyers included in this year’s guide are:

Garry Leaver, Rod Hall, Emma Procter, Ian Brunt, Michael Corrigan, Jane Chadwick, Kelly Darlington, Joanne Smith, Stephen Greenwood, Ashlea Thornton, Tom O’Neill, Molly Greenwood, Atif Nazir, Ella Holden, Jane Haymes, Mark Hague.

Recognition for Client Service

Alongside the practice area and individual rankings, Farleys also achieved strong recognition for client satisfaction, a reflection of the firm’s ongoing commitment to providing an outstanding client experience.

Managing Partner Ian Liddle commented:

“We’re delighted that The Legal 500 has once again recognised the exceptional work of our teams and individuals. The feedback from clients is especially meaningful, as it underlines the quality of service we provide every day. Achieving high rankings across both practice areas and client satisfaction is something we are very proud of.”

For the full breakdown of our results, visit our Legal 500 profile.