Yorkshire and The Humber
 
Corporate and Commercial - Langleys enjoyed an active year and, despite difficult conditions, won some significant new clients. Andy Kay leads the four-partner team. Recent highlights include advising on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Sheppee International Limited by its management.

Employment - Langleys’ market share and standing increases year on year, with new clients including Business Link Yorkshire and Simons Group. Kate Hindmarch boasts extensive tribunal experience.

Insurance, Personal Injury Defendant - Langleys’ catastrophic injury practice was recognised by Brit Insurance, which appointed the team to undertake its national work. David Thompson heads the division, which has strong casualty and public sector capabilities. 

Real Estate -  Langleys is gaining in prominence, and notably acted for a developer in its acquisition of a major shopping centre. The team was also appointed as principal adviser to Shepherd Homes, and is increasingly working across the region. Simon Massey leads the team, which also features Peter Horner and Emma Warner.

Finance - Langleys houses a competitive York-based alternative under Stephen Baylis, acting on a number of administrations for national restructuring specialists such as Baker Tilly, the P&A Partnership, Tenon and Begbies Traynor.

Family - Langleys was bolstered by the recruitment of the well-respected Mark Day from Gosschalks.

East Midlands

Corporate and Commercial - Clients find Langleys ‘a highly commercial and efficient legal practice’. Four partners provide specialist advice across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. 
 
Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence (Claimant) -  Sally-Ann Robinson and Stuart Hanley at Langleys are praised for their ‘thoughtful and sympathetic handling’ and ‘exceptional case management’ of sensitive cases of clinical negligence. The practice specialises in brain injury, incorrect diagnoses of cancer and care home matters.

Dispute Resolution - New partner Graeme Stenson  is now responsible for the Lincoln litigation practice of Langleys, which includes advising on substantial shareholder disputes. Residents of Knipe Point are benefiting from the firm’s representation to gain redress for erosion of their houses into the sea. 


Employment - South Lincolnshire firm Langleys enters the table this year, acting for employers including new client Simons Group plc. Nick Sheppard ‘is very knowledgeable, responsive and experienced’.

Agriculture and Estates -  Langleys in 2008 won five new landed estates clients, added to its trustee portfolio, and expanded its wind farm work, in addition to the tax, trusts, sale and purchase, tenancy and partnership advice which Andrew Fearn provides.

Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate - Langleys’ client base of predominantly landowner and high-net-worth individuals praise David Wood for his ‘confidence-inspiring, approachable and professional manner’.

In the 2010 Chambers and Partners UK directory the following units have been recognised:
 
Real Estate: East Midlands - Described by clients as modern, commercial and well organised, Langleys has built up a diverse client base that generates a broad range of work for its real estate team. It typically handles acquisitions, disposals and development matters and during the past year has acted on several deals in the hotel and leisure sector. Peter Horner heads the Lincoln team.

Real Estate: Yorkshire - Langleys has a solid regional presence in Leeds and throughout Yorkshire. It has key strengths in institutional investment, development and landlord and tenant work. Simon Massey heads the group. Sources say: "The service is extremely reliable."

Agriculture and Rural Affairs: East Midlands - This agriculture and estates department continues to service commercial farmers and landed estates. Wind farm work is becoming an increasing area of focus, while other matters include a land tribunal case. Partner Andrew Fearn heads the department, and associate Françoise Vandale is recognised for her capabilities in the sector.

Commercial/M&A: Yorkshire - This commercially minded practice provides a London level of service at provincial prices, clients say. It represents both buyers and sellers and has a core focus on mainstream M&A and MBOs. It has also attracted a number of significant new clients in line with its recent expansion. Head of practice Andy Kay is applauded as a “direct, excellent lawyer.”

Employment: Yorkshire - This team climbs the rankings on the back of its excellent advice on a wide range of employment issues, including allegations of disability discrimination, sex discrimination, breach of working time regulations and other complex case work. Nick Sheppard is singled out for his ability to "translate legal advice into understandable language and courses of action."

Employment: East Midlands - Kate Hindmarch of Langleys impresses clients with her innate feel for employment law: "She understands that employee relationships are not always as straightforward as the employment regulations might have us believe.”

Personal Injury - Defendant: Yorkshire - According to interviewees, Langleys has an expanding profile for catastrophic injury and complex disease work. The firm counts a number of large national insurers amongst its clients, as well as a growing number of public sector clients. David Thompson heads the department and earns praise for his expertise.

Restructuring and Insolvency: Yorkshire - This practice has offices in York and Lincoln and stands out for its in-depth knowledge of North Yorkshire’s agricultural market. It caters particularly to businesses in rural areas, although its broad restructuring and insolvency offering also works with a range of IPs across West and North Yorkshire. Practice head Stephen Baylis is admired for his “excellent technical skills.” Sources Say: “A successful and on-the-ball practice.”

Clinical Negligence - Claimant: East Midlands - Sally-Ann Robinson of Langleys is "a fantastic lawyer" who is at the top of many larger firms' referrals lists. A highly experienced practitioner, she has significant expertise dealing with multiparty litigation.

Achieved the "Investors in People" standard since 2000

Achieved "Lexcel" (Law Society Quality Standard Mark) since 2001.