Harrison Drury opens Manchester office and makes senior hire as part of growth strategy

The firm is proud to announce that we’ve opened a Manchester office and recruited one of the city’s leading corporate lawyers as part of our strategy for growth.

We’ve opened an office within the Tootal Buildings on Oxford Street and appointed Rick Life from TLT to lead the office.

Rick will help grow our Manchester presence alongside fellow corporate lawyer Mark Traynor who joined us in October 2023, and we expect to make further senior appointments in Manchester in the coming weeks.

The opening of a Manchester office grows our geographic footprint, complementing our six existing offices and 150 staff across Lancashire and Cumbria.

Pictured above: Mark Traynor and Rick Life.

John Chesworth, executive chairman of Harrison Drury, comments: “Manchester has grown into a truly global market and one that we want to be part of. Opening a Manchester office brings us closer to our growing client base in the region, strengthens our relationships with the city’s professional community, and gives us access to a UK-leading talent pool.

“We wanted to make sure we had the right people leading the office. Rick and Mark are two exceptional corporate lawyers, and their commercial acumen, experience and relationships will create many opportunities for us.”

Rick, who is recognised by the independent legal guide Chambers and Partners, specialises in mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions and advises clients across a number of sectors including healthcare, retail and consumer goods, and digital.

Prior to joining TLT, Rick was head of legal at major UK fashion brand Bench and had legal roles with Irwin Mitchell and Addleshaw Goddard.

Rick adds: “Harrison Drury has always had a strong reputation for its corporate and commercial offering in the North West and has some remarkable legal talent.

“Mark and I are looking to build on that success in Manchester, growing the team and further expanding the firm’s corporate offering, particularly its transactional work. The chance to be part of a firm that’s so people-focused and is ranked as one of the UK’s best companies to work for really appealed to me.”