Law firm opens Manchester office headed by top new recruit
North West law firm, Harrison Drury, has opened a Manchester office, headed by one of the city’s leading corporate lawyers following the appointment of Rick Life.
He has been recruited from TLT to lead the new site aimed at achieving further growth in the region for the firm.
The new facility is situated within the Tootal Buildings in Oxford Road.
Rick will help grow the firm’s Manchester presence alongside fellow corporate lawyer Mark Traynor who was appointed by Harrison Drury in October 2023.
The firm expects to make further senior appointments in Manchester in the coming weeks.
The opening of a Manchester office will grow the firm’s geographic footprint, complementing its six existing offices and 150 staff across Lancashire and Cumbria.
John Chesworth, executive chairman, said: “Manchester has grown into a truly global market and one that we want to be part of.
“Opening a Manchester office brings us closer to our growing client base in the region, strengthens our relationships with the city’s professional community, and gives us access to a UK-leading talent pool.”
He added: “We wanted to make sure we had the right people leading the office. Rick and Mark are two exceptional corporate lawyers, and their commercial acumen, experience and relationships will create many opportunities for us.”
Rick, who is recognised by the independent legal guide Chambers and Partners, specialises in mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions and advises clients across a number of sectors including healthcare, retail and consumer goods, and digital.
Prior to joining TLT, Rick was head of legal at major UK fashion brand Bench and had legal roles with Irwin Mitchell and Addleshaw Goddard.
Rick said: “Harrison Drury has always had a strong reputation for its corporate and commercial offering in the North West and has some remarkable legal talent.
“Mark and I are looking to build on that success in Manchester, growing the team and further expanding the firm’s corporate offering, particularly its transactional work.
“The chance to be part of a firm that’s so people-focused and is ranked as one of the UK’s best companies to work for really appealed to me.”
