Relocation, relocation, relocation

Douglas Scott was born in Manchester nearly fifteen years ago. It’s where we forged the first of many long-standing client relationships, watched trainees develop into senior associates, and worked hard in partnership with a multitude of clients as firms have grown from strength to strength.

 Since our first days, we’ve grown nationally – we see different markets expand and contract year on year and have quite the birds eye view of a diverse, ever changing and unquestionably fantastic sector. But for our North West consultants, they have eyes for one city alone: Manchester.

For law firms, the city is fast becoming a central hub and a key location in national plans for expansion. Benefiting from leading companies planting stakes in the ground of the city centre and a booming commercial property market with extensive investment and development, the city’s potential is fast becoming realised. There is fantastic room to grow in Manchester, and large firms are making the most of this – I’m seeing firms not just expand existing teams but put focus on developing new offerings to capitalise on existing client bases as well as the untapped potential markets the North holds close.

The key trend here of growing new offerings doesn’t just lie within ‘the usual suspect’ practice areas. We’re working with several firms which are intent on cultivating extensive, high net worth, private wealth offerings, and contentious probate is predicted to really come to the fore this year as a natural evolution. There are big plans in place to offer a truly all-round and all-encompassing service for commercial client bases. Real Estate and Construction are other areas firms are increasingly keen to expand with new talent. It’s all systems go, and all we’re waiting for is the right candidates to get things off the ground.

Practices in Manchester are thirsty for new talent, particularly at a senior level. The bargaining chips truly lie with the candidates in this market, and as such we’re seeing far more competitive salaries as well as truly agile and flexible working opportunities. The old stereotype of associates and partners spending all of their time in the office, particularly in larger firms, is well and truly out the window here in the North and it’s a big factor in attracting fantastic talent away from the capital.

The considerably more affordable housing, excellent entertainment, restaurants and nightlife, and a more relaxed way of life in comparison to the capital certainly help smooth the transition.

So, if you’re a senior level candidate who may be ready for a change of pace without having to sacrifice quality work and progression opportunities, Manchester may be the place to investigate.

Our recent research* indicates that 22% of legal professionals are open to the idea of relocating on their next move. If a move to Manchester is on the cards for you, why not check out our relocation guide – designed to give you an insight into life in this vibrant northern city, the legal market, places to visit and socialise, and the comparative cost of living.

*Data taken from the latest Douglas Scott Salary & Benefits Benchmarker