Lewis Hymanson Small goes for growth under US owner

MANCHESTER law firm Lewis Hymanson Small is looking at expanding to London this year, as it moves forward as part of American parent company Markel Group.

The US company acquired LHS’s former owner, Abbey Legal Protection for £116.5m in January, and this has brought extra firepower in terms of  resources to the John Dalton Street-based firm.

Will Burrows, head of employment said: ““2013 was an incredible year for Lewis Hymanson Small and we’re looking forward to continued growth in 2014.

“The firm has access to unparalleled resources and expertise following our acquisition earlier this year.

“There are going to be several announcements over the next few months as we reveal new clients and work streams. Legal services are changing and, following a plan of stable and organic growth, we are looking forward to being at the forefront of those changes, along with our group partners.”

Led partners Ian Lewis and Graham Small, describes itself as a “hidden gem” and lawyers from the firm have acted in some of the most high-profile cases in recent years including the Raul Moat Inquiry, the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, the News of the World phone hacking cases (Operation Elveden), and the Inquests into the deaths of Diana, Princess of Wales and Dodi Al Fayed.

Ian Lewis said: “We’re delighted to be growing so rapidly and this year we’re looking at opening a London office so that we can better service our London clients.”

The firm is involved in the high profile Hillsborough Inquiry, representing a number of former senior police officers.