Business Details
Expert Legal Services in the UK
Shakespeare Martineau is a full-service law firm dedicated to delivering bold legal solutions with integrity and responsibility. With over 900 specialists across 12 UK offices, we combine expertise, commerciality, and relationship-building to serve businesses, organisations, and individuals. Our purpose is to unlock potential for clients and colleagues alike, offering creative advice that supports commercial and personal goals. Recognised in Legal 500 and Chambers, we provide tailored services in corporate, employment, family, real estate, and tax law, alongside sector-specific expertise in agriculture, healthcare, and social housing.As an accredited B Corporation, we prioritise sustainability and community impact. Our culture is guided by authenticity, collaboration, trust, and bravery, ensuring we meet client needs with empathy and innovation. With a history of excellence, we remain committed to evolving with client demands while maintaining the highest standards of legal practice.
Services
Corporate Law
Employment Law
Family Law
Real Estate
Tax Advice
Dispute Resolution
Intellectual Property
Immigration Services
Wills & Probate
Commercial Contracts
Details
- Year established: 2025
Highlights and features
- We have over 900 legal specialists across 12 UK offices
- Award-winning firm ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers
- B Corp accredited for sustainability and ethical standards
- Tailored legal solutions for businesses and individuals
- Sector-specific expertise in agriculture, healthcare, and social housing
Associations and certifications
- B Corp
Services
Corporate Law
Our corporate lawyers advise businesses on mergers, acquisitions, governance, and commercial contracts. We combine sector knowledge with legal expertise to support growth strategies for SMEs and multinational corporations. Services include company secretarial work, corporate restructuring, and regulatory compliance, ensuring clients navigate complex transactions with confidence while maintaining adherence to UK and international regulations.
Family Law
We handle divorce, child custody, and financial settlements with sensitivity and expertise. Our tier-1 ranked team provides tailored solutions for modern families, including prenuptial agreements, cohabitation disputes, and international divorce cases. We prioritise amicable resolutions through mediation while preparing robust court representation when necessary, maintaining client confidentiality throughout the process.
Real Estate
Our real estate practice covers commercial property transactions, residential development, and property disputes. We advise investors, developers, and occupiers on acquisitions, leasing, planning, and construction matters. The team specialises in complex property finance deals and contentious matters, delivering practical solutions that protect client investments across the UK property market.
Employment Law
We provide comprehensive employment law services for businesses, including contract drafting, workplace policies, and dispute resolution. Our experts handle redundancies, discrimination claims, and tribunal representation while offering proactive training to prevent legal issues. We combine legal knowledge with commercial awareness to help employers maintain compliant, productive workplaces across various industry sectors.
Tax Advice
Our tax specialists deliver strategic advice for individuals and businesses, covering inheritance tax, corporate tax optimisation, and international tax planning. We help clients structure assets through trusts and wills while advising on tax-efficient business transactions. With expertise in UK tax law, we ensure compliance while minimising liabilities for high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients.
People
Sarah Walker-Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah Walker-Smith leads Shakespeare Martineau with over 25 years' experience in legal sector leadership. She drives the firm's strategic vision for growth and sustainability, focusing on client-centric innovation and ethical business practices while maintaining its B Corp accreditation.
Andrew Foreman
Group Chief Information Officer
Andrew Foreman oversees technology strategy at Shakespeare Martineau, implementing digital transformation initiatives that enhance client service delivery and operational efficiency across the firm's 12 UK offices.
Victoria Tester
Managing Director
Victoria Tester manages key client relationships and business development at Shakespeare Martineau, leveraging her commercial expertise to expand the firm's market presence while maintaining its commitment to quality legal services.
Questions
What areas of law does Shakespeare Martineau specialise in?
We specialise in corporate, employment, family, real estate, tax, and intellectual property law, alongside sector-specific expertise in agriculture, healthcare, and social housing.
Are your legal services available outside the UK?
While our 12 UK offices serve domestic clients, we provide international legal support through European and global networks for cross-border transactions and disputes.
Do you offer virtual legal consultations?
Yes, we offer virtual consultations via Zoom or telephone to accommodate client preferences and ensure accessibility across the UK.
What makes your firm different from other law practices?
As a B Corp accredited firm, we combine technical excellence with sustainability commitments, delivering tailored solutions through 900+ specialists in 12 UK locations.
Can I get legal advice for both business and personal matters?
Yes, we provide integrated legal services for businesses and individuals, covering corporate transactions, family law, wills, and personal tax planning.
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