On paper we’re a full-service law firm, providing legal services to businesses, organisations, government departments, families and people throughout life and in business.

But we offer so much more than that. Expertise, commerciality and relationships are at the very heart of what we do.

We employ more than 900 people, each specialist in their field, lawyers and business support working together. But what makes us tick, what drives us and why should you work with us?

Our purpose is clear and our ambitions are unlimited: we want to unlock potential in our people and clients, inspiring confidence, growth and development. We provide creative solutions and advice that helps you fulfil your commercial and personal goals.

What is vitally important to us though is that we build lasting relationships, championing our clients and providing the best possible business and personal advice.

We want to be the advisors who help you drive forward, engage in new ventures, challenge the established way, embrace the new abnormal and take advantage of opportunities. Our website tells you about our services and our specialists sectors - you can see what we do and how we do it.

Let us see how we can unlock your potential, get in touch today.

unlocking your potential

12 offices nationwide

award-winning law firm

50+

areas ranked
in the Legal 500

Our values guide us and reflect who we are

Everyone shares the same values and lives by the same Culture Code. It guides the way we work, behave, and hold each other to account. And shows up in everything we do.

0162 Ampa varieer website icons-41

Authentic

We are open minded and confident in ourselves while always valuing diverse perspectives.

0162 Ampa varieer website icons-43

Collaborative

Sharing knowledge, and working together as a team, we bring our best to every client.

0162 Ampa varieer website icons-45

Trusted

We do the right thing, not the easy thing, integrity is everything for us, our words and actions match.

0162 shmacarier website icons-53

Brave

We love exploring ideas, pushing boundaries, driving change for the benefit of all.

We are here for you in life & in business

We work with regional businesses, family firms and growing organisations as well as household names, national brands and major institutions. In addition to supporting businesses, we also advise the people who run them on personal and family matters; from wills and prenuptial agreements to residential conveyancing and tax planning. Browse these pages and you will get a feel on how we can help you in business and in life.

 

Personal Legal Services

Whether you need help with matters relating to family law, personal tax planning, or wills and succession, rest assured that we have the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve a resolution that works for you. Our personal solicitors offer the experience and expertise you need to overcome the challenges you face in everyday life, from family matters to wealth management.

 

For Business

Our business solicitors offer the experience and expertise your organisation needs to realise its ambitions and address legal challenges, from drafting employment contracts to settling commercial disputes. We offer practical, commercially-focused legal advice and representation to businesses of all types and sizes

Our Latest Awards

Shakespeare Martineau careers

At Shakespeare Martineau, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. With over 1,000 team members and a commitment to diversity, we foster an inclusive environment where unique perspectives drive innovative solutions for our clients. Our core values—authenticity, collaboration, trust, and bravery—shape our culture and guide our interactions, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed expectations in everything we do.

As an accredited B Corporation, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in our communities and minimising our environmental footprint. We empower our employees to take charge of their career paths, offering tailored development opportunities within the Ampa group. Whether you're seeking to advance in your current role or explore new avenues, your growth is our priority. Join us in making a difference while building a fulfilling career.

View our current vacancies >

dv6yoa3y2fl73skppqcz

Early careers

We believe in nurturing talent at every stage of your legal journey. Our diverse early career opportunities—including training contracts, apprenticeships, and internships—are designed to provide you with real-world experience and invaluable insights into the legal profession. From engaging insight evenings to immersive summer internships, we offer a supportive environment where you can develop your skills and grow your career in law.

Learn more about our early careers opoportunities >

Our expertise spans the country, as well as internationally – delivered through our European and global networks

logo-1.png
aeec_logo_2024_web_200.png
INTALogo-Orange_HighRes.jpg?VersionId=KfNoDcAhg6bknjnJB2sRm6i7malYLD5m
Multilaw Wayfinder Logo Teal
6441b69b43c9cdafa524bebc_statelaw_logo.png

Search all of our services using the button to the right or call us on 0330 024 0333 to find out more about what we can do for you.

Meet Our Leaders

Strong leadership is a cocktail of authenticity, collaboration, passion, compassion, and a great deal of bravery. The leadership team at Shakespeare Martineau shares a common purpose and shared beliefs and work hard to define and deliver the firm’s vision, strategy and financial performance.

Sarah Walker-Smith

Chief Executive Officer

Paul Bird

Chief Financial Officer

Andrew Foreman

Group Chief Information Officer

Victoria Tester

Partner & Managing Director

Listen to our informative and inspiring SHMA Talks

 Taking the form of interviews, conversations, panel discussions, live Q&As and debates, you can hear from national and local disruptors, industry experts, entertaining and motivational speakers, as well as Shakespeare Martineau leaders and rising stars.

Aimed to motivate, engage and inspire the leaders of today and tomorrow.

SHMA Talks: Responsible business – finding the “sweet spot”

18 Jan

Sarah Walker-Smith, Chief Executive Officer
SHMA Talks: Responsible business – finding the “sweet spot”

With the UK committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, pressure […]

SHMA Talks: A new form of Capitalism

13 Dec

Sarah Walker-Smith, Chief Executive Officer
SHMA Talks: A new form of Capitalism

In this latest episode of SHMA Talks hosted by our CEO – Sarah Walker-Smith, […]

SHMA Talks: Pride and prejudice – overcoming discrimination in entrepreneurship

2 Feb

,
SHMA Talks: Pride and prejudice – overcoming discrimination in entrepreneurship

Inspiring and award-winning entrepreneurs Ninder Johal and Mark Esho MBE will join our first […]

An audience with Tony Daley

25 Nov

,
An audience with Tony Daley

In our next SHMA Talk, we will be in conversation with Tony Daley, former […]

Call us on 0330 024 0333 to find out more about what we can do for you.