The Lawyer Top 200

15th Nov 2011

North East legal practice BHP Law has been rated among the top law firms in the country for the first time.

The firm, which has offices in Darlington, Newcastle, Stockton, Durham and Halifax, entered the league table of the nation’s top 200 companies compiled by The Lawyer.

BHP Law’s debut in the list comes in a year that is being tipped as the start of the most far-reaching changes that the legal sector has seen for decades.

The Legal Services Act will be fully implemented this year prompting The Lawyer to call it the “UK legal market’s very own Big Bang” with “structural and strategic ­implications for most firms”.

John Pratt, managing partner of BHP Law, said it represented opportunities for practices with an entrepreneurial track record.

The firm offers an extensive range of services for private and commercial clients and has broadened its expertise with specialisms including BHP Sport, a professional sports management and representation division, and in academy conversions.

Mr Pratt said: “We are really proud to have entered the Top 200. Our initital ranking of 193 makes us determined to not only stay in the list but also to rise up the rankings.

“The legal sector is undergoing siginificant changes. BHP Law is seeking to grow both organically and through acquisition and we are particularly keen to talk to any firms especially those seeking an exit strategy. Partners can call me in absolute confidence if they are considering the future.”