Economic recovery lifts South West

Economic recovery lifts South West

Law firms and solicitors in Exeter once again feature prominently in the new edition of a prestigious guide to the profession.

The Legal 500 ranks firms and highlights leading individuals across 12 main practice areas.

In its South West regional review, the 2014 guide states: “The region saw some improvement in economic sentiment in 2013, as business confidence returned to the UK.

“There was an uptick in activity in key practice areas, with an increase in residential property development projects a particular highlight for real estate departments.

“The renewable energy market remains strong in the South West, and a number of significant new projects are planned.

“The change in employment tribunal fees resulted in a considerable drop in claims, and pushed law firms towards more complex employment disputes and advisory work.

“In personal injury, firms saw fewer low-value public liability cases being brought in the post-Jackson era, as the impact of the reforms and the banning of referral fees continued to be felt.”