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Who we are

Who we are:

Ward Hadaway - working together to provide the best possible client and working experience.

We are proud to be an independent, full-service law firm providing exceptional legal expertise to businesses, public and third sectors, and individuals. From our offices in Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle, we combine regional strength with national influence to deliver high-quality, tailored solutions that drive success for our clients.

37

Years

95

Partners

300

Lawyers

3

Cities

Our purpose is simple: to provide quality, commercial legal advice in a timely and cost effective manner, supporting our clients in achieving their objectives strategically and profitably. We understand that our clients operate in fast-paced, competitive environments, and we are committed to delivering advice that not only meets their immediate needs but also anticipates their future challenges and opportunities.

We are striving to become the best independent law firm we can be. This means excelling in everything we do, from the service we provide, to the relationships we build. We are motivated by a commitment to service-driven advice, trusted relationships, and the expertise of our exceptional people.

Our values define how we approach decisions and opportunities, how we navigate relationships with colleagues and clients and how we work together to achieve our vision. We strive to be Straightforward, Respectful and Ambitious.

What our values mean to us

Straightforward

We remove ambiguity and provide a clear direction and certainty. We build trust with each other and our clients through honest, transparent interactions.

Respectful

We succeed together. We build and maintain an inclusive firm in which difference is recognised, valued and harnessed.

Ambitious

We constantly strive and innovate to be the best we can be for ourselves, our teams and the firm.

Our Responsible Business Manifesto

Our Responsible Business Manifesto and annual report for 2022 - 2023 details what we as a firm are committed to, and the importance which we place on being a responsible business. This approach has been in our DNA throughout the firm's existence and although over time priorities change, the essence of being a good citizen has been constant. Latest update coming soon...

View our manifesto here

Our values and beliefs

Our values define our culture and guide our decisions, ensuring we operate with integrity, respect and ambition. We prioritise clear communication, honesty and transparency in everything we do. Respect is at our core, fostering inclusivity and valuing diverse perspectives, while our ambition drives continuous improvement and excellence.

We are a team that cares. We are deeply committed to support the wider communities in which we live and work. Striving to make a meaningful difference through sustainability, social impact, holistic wellbeing and equality, diversity and inclusion. Through volunteering, supporting local charities and creating opportunities for others, we actively give back and cultivate authentic relationships that strengthen our people, our business and society.

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Our standards

High standards underpin everything we do. This applies to everything, from the quality of our legal advice and operational systems to our ethics and values.

Over 50 of our partners are recommended in Chambers or Legal 500 for their expertise. As a firm we are ranked in over 50 service areas of law, many in the top tier.

Testament to the quality of our approach are the many recognised accreditations we have achieved. These cover areas as diverse as data security, respect for the environment and the way we care for our people.

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National and international

While our offices are located in three major northern cities - Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle - our client base spans the country and the world.

Through our network of overseas partners we are able to support our clients by providing access to advisers in over 125 countries. This is achieved via our membership of GGI, an international network of over 620 professional firms.

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Governance

As a modern law firm Ward Hadaway has retained the advantages of being a partnership. This we have done while also developing the practice’s governance in a way that supports our business, beliefs and values.

We operate with a full-time Managing Partner (CEO) as well as a Management Board. Together they oversee the business and ensure we continue to deliver in line with our mission.

The maintaining of our professional standards and the development of our Responsible Business Strategy are overseen by a dedicated risk team.

Finally

We love doing what we do. So if you are in search of legal advice, or you are looking to develop your career, then please contact us.

What people say

  • This firm ‘has the patience required to explain even the most complex matters in a language that is easy to understand’.

    Chambers & Partners

  • Responsive, proactive and able to identify, highlight and mitigate risks.

    Chambers & Partners

  • The ‘strong and proactive’ team stands out for its ‘excellent response times’ and ‘tenacious approach to solving challenging issues’, while ‘maintaining high standards at all times.'

    Legal 500

  • Ward Hadaway is ‘well ahead of its North-Eastern competition’ … a ‘dynamic firm always looking to the future and for ways to improve its service’.

    Client quote, Chambers & Partners

  • Ward Hadaway ‘provides timely and appropriate legal advice, delivered in a professional yet warm and approachable manner, irrespective of the value of work involved’.

    Legal 500

  • Ward Hadaway’s ‘large and highly motivated team provides comfort and value for money.'

    Legal 500

  • Instead of constantly hearing 'you', we are always hearing 'we' from Ward Hadaway.

    Client quote, Chambers & Partners

  • Their client care, approachability, prestigious legal knowledge and common sense marks them out in the commercial litigation arena.

    Client quote, Chambers & Partners

  • We get a great service from them and we feel like valued clients. If we have an urgent request they will endeavour to process it quickly. We are very pleased with the service we receive.

    Client quote, Chambers & Partners

Supporting the communities in which we live and work

  • I really enjoy working with the firm’s CSR team to talk about how the fund’s revenue can be put to good use. It’s clear that there is a real commitment at Ward Hadaway to supporting their local communities and thinking strategically about how to do so. The input from staff across the firm is invaluable.

    Jon Goodwin, Senior Philanthropy Advisor, Community Foundation For Tyne and Wear and Northumberland

    Find out more

  • It has been a joy to work with Ward Hadaway and we hope our relationship will continue for many years to come. Most importantly, on behalf of the many children who have benefited from Ward Hadaway’s Christmas generosity, thank you!

    Gillian Firth, Northern Stage

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  • It was fantastic to see the team so eager to get stuck in and help improve the green space for the local community. On behalf of everyone at The Land Trust, thank you to the team at Ward Hadaway, we hope to see you back on our sites soon!

    Alan Carter, The Land Trust

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  • We were delighted to welcome Ward Hadaway on board as a sponsor of Elmer, and it’s great they came up with an exciting way of getting involved in this magical event for the city. We hugely appreciate the support.

    Jane Hagan, St Oswald's Hospice

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  • The fantastic efforts of our supporters at Ward Hadaway have provided a vital lifeline to the many pupils at Mshangano Secondary School and their families, helping them find their way on a path towards a brighter future.

    Lucy Kendall, COCO

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  • The support provided by Ward Hadaway is invaluable. Their contributions have helped us to deliver vital grassroots charity projects, creating better, brighter futures.

    Kate Hainsworth, CEO, Leeds Community Foundation and Give Bradford

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  • We have had such a positive experience with the Ward Hadaway team. We are so grateful to the support they’ve shown us and their commitment to Access to Justice Foundation.

    Laura Cassidy, Development and Fundraising Manager, Access for Justice Foundation

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  • We are delighted to work with such a wonderful company who have worked in partnership with us at the Greggs Foundation, supporting local Breakfast Clubs.

    Thanks to the kindness and generosity of the team, the money raised helps ensure more breakfasts can be given free to support more children in need, some of whom may otherwise go without. Thank you so much – you are all superstars!

    Lynne Hindmarch, Greggs Foundation Breakfast Club Manager

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  • The Ward Hadaway team have shown a great level of support as well as being enthusiastic to get involved in an assortment of events to help make a difference to the lives of people in need on the streets of Leeds city centre.

    Karen Butler, from LeedsBID, one of the organisations behind Big Change Leeds

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  • We are thrilled that the fit out is now complete thanks to Ward Hadaway's generous grant. Everyone who has used Forest Lodge has been delighted by the experience. It was such a lovely surprise to be considered and we are very grateful for the contribution.

    Diane Hawkins, Chair, Bibby’s Farm Scout Camp Site and Activity Centre

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Read all about Ward Hadaway giving back