Foot Anstey selects Manchester for annual Partner Conference

• Manchester selected as location for national conference for national law firm for the first time.
• Foot Anstey has committed to investing 1% of net profits into responsible business programmes including Wood Street Mission in Manchester.
• ‘Manchesterism’ effect contributes to climbing revenues at law firm which hit a record £76.9 million

National law firm Foot Anstey is gearing for more growth as it hosts its annual Partner Conference in Manchester for the first time.

The move has been underpinned by the firm’s strongest-ever financial results, which saw revenues climb to a record £76.9 million in the 2024/25 financial year.

The firm currently employs more than 700 people and has offices in Manchester, Bristol, Belfast, Exeter, London, Plymouth and Southampton.

Foot Anstey plans to grow its headcount in the North West region and further develop its legal offering in line with key business growth sectors of retail, sports, infrastructure and technology.

The firm’s strategy also focuses on breaking down barriers to entry into the legal profession across the UK, including Manchester, through initiatives such as Achieve, its award-winning vacation scheme supporting Black and minority ethnic candidates.

The firm’s pledge to donate 1% of its net profits annually to responsible business programmes is already benefiting initiatives within Greater Manchester including Wood Street Mission. 

Martin Hirst, Managing Partner at Foot Anstey, said:

“The high calibre of our established team in Manchester as well as positive economic data gives us the confidence to make further investment in Manchester and the wider North West region. This is why we have selected Manchester as the location for our partner conference this year bringing people together at the heart of this exceptional business environment. I look forward to seeing the positive impact we will create in Manchester in the years ahead, not just in business terms but in social investment too.”

Melanie McGuirk, Partner at Foot Anstey in Manchester, said:

“The ‘Manchesterism’ effect is certainly being noticed in other parts of the country and is a major pull factor for business. The strength of Manchester’s economy is an important part of our decision as a firm to commit to this city. It’s a city that is growing in confidence and capability, attracting high-growth companies and exceptional talent, and we’re committed to being part of that continued growth.”

Jan Levinson, Partner at Foot Anstey in Manchester, said:

“We are building a powerhouse law firm, backed by exceptional talent and a clear vision for growth. Over the coming year, we will continue to expand our capability to support the most complex commercial disputes and high-value advisory matters, working alongside the region’s most ambitious organisations and leaders”

Foot Anstey is a national law firm with a strategic, client-centric approach. With over 700 staff and a network of eight offices across the UK, the firm provides specialist legal advice to a diverse range of clients, from regional businesses to FTSE 250 companies. The firm’s expertise in sectors such as retail & consumer, sports, and media, as well as its specialist IP and commercial advice, is consistently recognised by leading legal directories.

For more information, visit www.footanstey.com.