Law firm to open new offices in Manchester

Law firm Anthony Collins Solicitors is opening a new office in Manchester and has started to recruit.

The firm is moving into a Grade II listed building at 76 King Street which will offer a prime position to grow its legal operations and kick-start a recruitment drive.

The firm employs 29 partners and nearly 300 staff and the second office will complements its Birmingham headquarters.

The move comes after the firm announced a three-year contract with Manchester-based Co-operatives UK earlier this month.

The firm will provide a legal surgery service to member Co-operative businesses across the UK.

The business has already built strong social purpose-led links in the city across housing, charity and local government sectors.

A recent highlight for the firm has been the provision of new governance structure to assist the Greater Manchester Social Impact Bond, helping to launch a £1.8 million fund to counter homelessness in the city through accommodation, mental health advice and training for employment.

Jonathan Cox, head of Anthony Collins Solicitors’ Manchester office, said: “It is a privilege for me to lead the Manchester office and grow the second base for Anthony Collins Solicitors – a critical platform to further build on our social purpose mission.

“We are excited to be able to offer a point of difference to the Manchester legal market – actively recruiting like-minded individuals who are committed to improving lives, communities and society.

“The firm has worked on a number of key projects that have delivered real social impact both in the North West but also nationally, so I am looking forward to welcoming talented individuals to the fold in this great city as we strengthen our presence here.”

The first senior hire is Natalie Barbosa, a senior associate and previous head of legal at children’s charity Barnado’s.

Natalie has moved to help grow the firm’s charity and social care sectors, working with national clients such as the Salvation Army, Mind and Scope, alongside a large network of adult care providers.

She said: “While a profit-making law firm, working here feels like being part of a real movement – one that holds social impact at its heart and is driven in its pursuit of justice.

“I joined Anthony Collins Solicitors to make a difference, across my appointed sectors and in a wider context. As we expand our team in Manchester, I look forward to supporting the firm’s commitment to improving people’s lives, regionally and nationally.”