Partner Headcount Growth in the Midlands Has Fallen Behind Other UK Cities

Birmingham (+8%) and Nottingham (+3%) have increased Partner numbers over the last 3 years, but the rate of growth has lagged behind all other major UK markets.

Among Global 200 & The Lawyer UK 100 firms, Edinburgh (+32%) has seen the sharpest growth in headcount, followed by Manchester (+19%), Bristol (+17%), and Glasgow (+16%).

Almost Twice as Many Partners Leave Birmingham for London, as Move From London to Birmingham

More than 70% of the lateral Partner moves between 2022-2025, moved from within Birmingham itself, leaving around 30% as intercity moves. The top destinations for Partner moves in and out of Birmingham were London and Manchester.

London recorded 12 Partner moves into Birmingham (17% of total moves in) and 22 moves out of the city (37% of total moves out), creating an imbalance in the flow of Partners between the capital and Brum.

While Manchester saw 8 moves into Birmingham (12% of total moves in) and 6 moves out of the city (10% of total moves out), a more balanced flow of Partner moves.

The Fastest Growing Firms in Birmingham Have Grown Through a Mixture of Lateral Hires and Promotions

Most of the top 10 firms with the highest increases to Partner headcount growth have favoured lateral hires. Irwin Mitchell and Mills & Reeve have taken a more balanced approach, while Browne Jacobson and Bevan Brittan have relied more heavily on Partner promotions.

Real Estate is the Fastest Growing Practice Area in Birmingham

Since 2022, Real Estate Partner headcount at Global 200 & The Lawyer UK 100 firms has risen by +13%. This ranks Real Estate as the fastest growing practice in Brum, alongside Corporate (+11%) and Insurance (+10%).

Looking deeper, the growth among Birmingham’s Real Estate practices has been primarily driven by Partners working in Generalist Real Estate (67%). More specialised sub-sectors such as Commercial Property (17%), Residential Property (11%), and Real Estate Planning (6%) make up the rest.

How much of this has been influenced by major infrastructure projects like HS2 and the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter?

Birmingham's Real Estate Growth Ranks it Highly Nationwide, But Edinburgh and Bristol Have Seen Greater Spikes in Headcount

Real Estate is clearly a key area of growth in cities other than Birmingham. The increase in Partner headcount in Edinburgh (+33%) and Bristol (+22%), surpasses that of Birmingham (+13%).

Five Law Firms Hold 50% of the Real Estate Market Share in Birmingham

But Other Firms May Be Looking to Seize More of the Real Estate Market Share

Of the firms with significant market share in Real Estate, not all are actively growing. Knights PLC (+80%), Gateley (+13%), and Gowling (+13%) have increased Partner headcount in this practice area, but Shakespeare Marineau has flat growth (+0%) and Eversheds Sutherland headcount has decreased (-27%).

The firms with significant growth that may be looking to seize more Real Estate market share, are the likes of Browne Jacobson (+150%), Weightmans (+100%), and Freeths (+67%).