12 Biggest Law Firms in Newcastle

A lot of the most important businesses in Newcastle run behind the scenes and most of us don’t tend to use them very often, if at all. But finding the right one can be essential, and this is especially true of law firms. You might need one when buying a house, making a will or for a professional purpose so we’ve gathered 12 of the most notable law firms in Newcastle city centre for your consideration.

Image: The Muckle LLP staff

Muckle LLP, Gallowgate

Muckle LLP has a history in the city dating back more than 125 years, since Robert Muckle first started work in a local law firm as an office junior. Still based in Gallowgate, the company has expanded to become Muckle LLP and won numerous awards and significant recognition for its role as one of the leading law firms in the region. As well as having clearly stated values regarding environmental policies and corporate culture, the firm also plays a big role in the region’s community. Recent projects funded or supported by Muckle include the West End Food Bank, a clothing collection for Smart Works Newcastle and for a Cumbrian youth group and children’s hospice.

Ward Hadaway, Quayside

This Quayside independent law firm – one of three UK offices - takes its ethics and social responsibility very seriously, enshrining its values in a Responsible Business Manifesto displayed on its website. It embraces diversity in all forms, places paramount importance on the wellbeing of its staff and has a strong environmental programme. Focusing on business, healthcare, the third/public sector and private law needs, Ward Hadaway has also provided donations, volunteers and fundraising support to a myriad of charities and social ventures, from the Canal & River Trust to Northern Stage.

North East Law Centre, Ellison Place

The North East Law Centre offers free or affordable legal support across the region in a variety of fields such as family, education, immigration, discrimination and employment. As a charity and a not-for-profit, the centre is able to provide legal services for people who might otherwise not be able to afford it. They’re also involved in important groups like The Victims First Project, Help Through Crisis, HALS (Help Accessing Legal Support) and the Education Advice Service. So if you ever feel the need for legal advice but aren’t sure how to go about it, North East Law Centre is a great place to start.

Womble Bond Dickinson, Newcastle Helix

Womble Bond Dickinson has eight UK offices and three times that in the USA, making it a significant force in commercial law in the region. As well as being involved in local charities through fundraising and volunteering (such as Anxious Minds, Smile For Life and the West End Food Bank), WBD collaborates with Access To Justice and student law clinics to provide pro bono advice and support for organisations without a budget for legal work.

Image: The Norton Rose Fulbright Team

Norton Rose Fulbright, Quayside

Norton Rose Fulbright is one of the world’s most significant law firms, with more than 3,000 lawyers in 50 worldwide locations. Its Newcastle office began life on the Quayside in 2016 with a team of just five but now has more than 330 staff in its Quayside office. As well as its array of legal teams in various sectors, the firm places an emphasis on engaging with local primary and secondary school to foster an awareness of the sorts of careers available in the legal sector.

Weightmans, St. James’ Boulevard

One of the UK’s top 40 law firms, Weightmans opened their Newcastle office back in 2019 but did so by acquiring a firm – Watson Burton – that has a much longer local history, with its roots in a law firm established in 1811! The firm conducts some pro bono work as a community project and also supports various local charities, and their current nominated charity is IfUCareShare, a suicide prevention and bereavement organisation.

Hay & Kilner, Newcastle Helix

This comparatively compact, full service local law firm has strong roots in the North East and is there for your commercial and personal needs (including criminal law, trusts, property and more). It also gives priority to supporting the local community in various ways, not least having a nominate charity each year (this year it’s the Children’s Heart Unit Fund)).

Sintons LLP, Barrack Road

Sintons is a properly local law firm with a history that dates back to 1896, when Sutton Cheshire & Thompson was founded, evolving in the last century until it became Sinton & Co in a 1971 merger. Sintons is big on Corporate Social Responsibility in all sorts of ways, including donating 80 days a year of its staff’s time to mentor, coach or offer pro bono support.

Silk Family Law, Broad Chare

Silk Family Law might only be 13 years old, but this northern firm (with branches in Newcastle, Zetland and Leeds) is a highly regarded ‘boutique’ company with a reputation that seems to exceed its size. It’s also the only firm in the north with its own family law barrister and deal with all forms of family law – from divorce to pre-nups, inheritance and civil partnerships.

DAC Beachcroft, Gallowgate

At the other end of the scale, DAC Beachcroft has dozens of offices in every corner of the globe and a history that stretches back to a London office in 1762. Primarily a commercial law firm with expertise in a host of different sectors, Beachcroft sets great store by its principles regarding social mobility and access, charity and pro bono work and sustainability.

David Gray Solicitors, Westgate Road

David Gray has existed for more than 40 years, and now has offices in Newcastle and South Shields with seven partners and 80 staff. This team of solicitors can help with all sorts of personal legal needs – criminal, family, immigration, property and many more – and seems to be an exemplar of the local but large firm. They’re very charity-focussed too, contributing to or taking part in all manner of charity endeavours, like The Newcastle Legal Walk, The Great Legal Bake and The Chronicle Sunshine Run.

DWF, Orchard Street

Headquartered in Manchester, DWF is one of the largest UK-based law firms and boasts branches across the globe - including its Newcastle location on Orchard Street. As a leading provider of legal and business services, DWF's commercial knowledge is second-to-none and their Newcastle office boasts a skilled team of lawyers with expertise in everything from employment and insurance to real estate and dispute resolution. 

Finding the right law firm for your needs can be confusing and stressful but hopefully we’ve outlined a few Newcastle firms that might be able to help with whatever you need. And it’s good to see that so many of them make a point of getting involved in the life of the city in a variety of ways.