Who We Are | Leading UK Law Firm | Here for you in Life & Business

Leading Law Firm

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.

a leading
law firm

11 offices nationwide

award-winning law firm

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.

Authentic

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

Collaborative

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

Trusted

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

Brave

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

Our Culture Code

Our Latest Awards

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.

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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

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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.

Browse all our services

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

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

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Ben Buckton

Group Chief Operating Officer

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Paul Bird

Chief Financial Officer

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Andrew Foreman

Group Chief Information Officer

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Alex Smith

Partner & Managing Director

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Mark Beesley

Partner & Managing Director

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Victoria Tester

Partner & Managing Director

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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