Weightmans


Weightmans is a top 45 UK law firm with eight offices, employing more than 1,200 people, including more than 180 partners. The firm offers a range of services across three business lines: commercial, insurance and public sector. In 2018, its turnover was £97.1 million.

History

Weightmans can trace its roots back to 1827 when the firm Rutherfords was established in Liverpool. The firm Field and Weightman was established in 1875. In 1887 the firm Weightman Peddar and Weightman was established, becoming known as Weightmans Peddar in 1913 before changing its name to Weightmans in 1970. In 1988 Weightmans and Rutherfords merged to create Weightman Rutherfords and remained known by this name until 1996 when the firm changed its name back to Weightmans and opened a Birmingham office.
In 2002, Weightmans merged with a team from the firm Vizard Oldham and became known as Weightman Vizards – with offices in Birmingham, Leicester, Liverpool, London and Manchester. In 2004, the firm again changed its name back to Weightmans before acquiring LLP status in 2007. In 2011 the firm acquired offices in Dartford and Knutsford.
In 2013, Weightmans further expanded its national reach through the acquisition of the Manchester team of Semple Fraser and opened a Glasgow office.
In July 2015, Weightmans merged with Ford & Warren solicitors, acquiring a Leeds office.
In October 2019, Weightmans acquired the practice of Newcastle-headquartered firm, Watson Burton, adding a Newcastle office.

Principal areas of work

The firm’s practice is structured into three key areas – commercial, insurance and public sector – and operates across twelve sectors: built environment, education, emergency services, healthcare, insurance, local government, manufacturing, professional services, retail & leisure, social housing, transport & logistics and utilities.

Clients

The firm’s clients include insurance companies, public sector organisations, UK PLCs, multinational companies, public sector organisations, education establishments, private individuals, SMEs and other managed businesses.

Offices

Weightmans is headquartered in Liverpool's commercial district and has offices in seven other cities throughout the United Kingdom: Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Newcastle.