Freeths LLP

Who Is Freeths LLP?

Freeths LLP is one of the UK’s most respected full-service commercial law firms, known for its integrity, forward-thinking approach, and nationwide presence.

Headquartered in Nottingham, Freeths operates 13 offices across the UK, with over 1,200 staff providing expert legal advice to individuals, businesses, institutions, and public sector bodies.

Founded with a vision to provide legal services that are both smart and approachable, Freeths stands out as a firm that balances scale with personality.

With a reputation for commercial awareness and legal excellence, the firm is consistently ranked in the top tiers of Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, and has recently earned the prestigious Law Firm of the Year title at both the Legal Business Awards 2024 and City AM Awards 2025.

Clients trust Freeths to deliver results through innovation, clarity, and a deep understanding of the legal landscape. The firm serves a wide range of sectors, from retail and logistics to housebuilding, healthcare, and technology, making it a go-to partner for legal matters across industries.

Who Leads Freeths LLP and How Is It Structured?

Freeths LLP operates under a well-defined and progressive leadership structure, ensuring strategic governance and operational excellence across its practice areas and offices.

Key Leadership Team

Additional Governance Roles

• Management Board: Composed of senior partners including Karl Jansen and Philippa Dempster, along with other practice leaders.
• Office Managing Partners: Responsible for regional oversight, e.g., Philippa Dempster (London) and John May (Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield).
• Heads of Practice Areas:
  • Darren Williamson: Head of Real Estate
  • Adrian Hackett: National Head of Taxation Services
  • Patrick Adie: Head of Housebuilding & Strategic Land
  • Leo Skinner: Head of Drinks, Hospitality & Leisure
  • Melanie Williams: Head of Oxford Court of Protection

Leadership profiles are publicly accessible via the firm’s People Directory, with more structural insights listed in the Structure & Leadership section of the website.

What Are the Company’s Capital and Financial Highlights?

Freeths LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), incorporated on 16 May 2003 under Company No. OC304688. The firm maintains a solid financial standing with growing revenues and increasing national recognition.

While specific turnover figures are not publicly listed, Freeths’ continued expansion, legal rankings, and client base strongly indicate robust capital strength and sustainable profitability.

What Legal Services and Sectors Does Freeths LLP Cover?

Freeths LLP offers one of the most comprehensive legal service portfolios in the UK, covering both business and personal law. The firm combines legal expertise with industry insights to deliver practical and commercially sound advice.

Core Legal Services

• Banking & Finance
• Commercial Contracts
• Construction & Engineering
• Corporate Law
• Dispute Resolution
• Employment, Immigration & Pensions
• Environmental Law & ESG
• Infrastructure & Energy Projects
• Planning & Real Estate
• Private Client Services & Family Law
• Tax, Technology & Data

Specialist Industry Sectors

• Retail, Logistics & Warehousing
• Drinks, Hospitality & Leisure
• Housebuilding & Strategic Land
• Financial Services
• Public Sector & Education
• Care, Clean Energy & Sustainability
• Life Sciences & Virtual Legal Support

Freeths also has dedicated teams for niche legal areas, including digital transformation, climate litigation, and legal innovation services, enabling it to support clients at the forefront of emerging legal challenges.

What Sets Freeths LLP Apart from Other Law Firms?

Freeths differentiates itself through its culture, values, and a focus on people, not just profit. The firm proudly calls itself the UK’s largest B Corp-certified law firm, reflecting its commitment to responsible business practices, environmental impact, and community engagement.

Unique Value Propositions

• B Corp Certification: Demonstrates leadership in sustainable and ethical law.
• Inclusive Culture: A “big firm without the attitude”, with an emphasis on accessibility and collaboration.
• Client-Centric Approach: Known for being straightforward, jargon-free, and highly responsive.
• Recognition & Awards:
  • Law Firm of the Year 2024 (Legal Business Awards)
  • Law Firm of the Year 2025 (City AM Awards)
  • The Times Best Law Firms 2024
  • Top 100 UK Law Firms by The Lawyer (Ranked 44th)

Together, these qualities position Freeths LLP as a modern, forward-thinking firm that delivers legal excellence while staying true to its values.

What Is the Employee and Client Experience at Freeths LLP?

Both employees and clients describe Freeths LLP as a firm that combines professional excellence with a genuinely people-focused approach.

Employee Culture

Freeths is highly regarded for its supportive and empowering work environment, offering clear development paths, diversity initiatives, and flexible working options.

Client Feedback

Freeths receives consistent praise from clients for:

• Proactive and pragmatic legal advice
• Strong commercial understanding
• Effective, personalised client service

Clients range from major brands like Aldi, Tarmac, and Lloyds Bank to universities, local authorities, and private individuals.

What Are Freeths LLP’s Major Achievements?

Freeths’ growth and reputation are supported by a long list of accolades, accreditations, and successful legal outcomes.

Awards and Rankings:

• Law Firm of the Year: Legal Business Awards 2024 & City AM Awards 2025
• Top-Tier Ranked in Legal 500 (2025):
  • Tier 1 in 23 practice areas
  • 11 individuals in the Hall of Fame
• Chambers UK Legal Guide 2025:
  • 13 Band 1 team rankings
  • 14 Band 1 individuals
• ISO Certifications: ISO 9001, 14001, 27001, and 22301
• Cyber Essentials Certified
• Stonewall Diversity Champion
• Silver Investors in People Accreditation

One of the firm’s most high-profile successes includes leading the legal representation for subpostmasters wrongly prosecuted in the Post Office Horizon Scandal, securing justice and national media recognition.

How Can You Contact Freeths LLP?

Freeths ensures easy access to legal services through both central and regional offices. You can reach out for general enquiries or consult with specific partners through their website.

Regional office information is available via their Locations Page, covering cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Oxford.

Why Choose Freeths LLP?

Freeths LLP combines the strength of a leading national law firm with the accessibility and approachability of a trusted advisor. Whether supporting individuals, SMEs, or multinational organisations, the firm delivers tailored legal solutions that are grounded in commercial reality and designed to create meaningful impact.

With award-winning litigation teams, top-tier real estate specialists, and forward-thinking expertise in ESG and technology law, Freeths blends technical excellence with a deep understanding of client needs.

Their reputation is built on being pragmatic, responsive, and jargon-free, ensuring clients receive clear, effective guidance.

Guided by its values of Smart, Bold, and Together, Freeths stands apart as more than just a law firm. It is a true legal partner, committed not only to clients’ success but also to making a positive difference for people, businesses, and the planet.