UK regional firm Brabners is opening in London, marking a major milestone alongside its existing offices in Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.
The firm announced a double partner hire as part of its plans to open its London office in mid-2026, calling the move a “a natural progression for us”. The incoming duo are corporate partner Stuart Hatcher and disputes partner Russell Strong.
Hatcher joins from Forsters, bringing extensive experience advising privately‑owned businesses and sector expertise in sport, including his role as a director of Brentford FC. He leaves Forsters after nearly six years, having spent 18 years at PwC in various leadership roles spanning two stints, alongside three years spent at Simmons & Simmons from 2004-2007.
Strong, who specialises in high-value commercial litigation and international arbitration, joins after a short spell at gunnercooke. He was previously a partner at Greenwoods for nearly five years, having also worked at Zaiwalla & Co and Charles Lyndon, among other firms.
Writing on LinkedIn, he said that being invited to join the partnership of “a purpose-led independent law firm” was “the proudest moment of my legal career”. Two existing Brabner real estate and tax partners – Ross Shine and Euri Yoon – will also move to work in the new London office.
Nik White, Brabner’s managing partner, said: “Launching in London is a landmark moment for Brabners. It allows us to build our presence in the capital while staying true to our values, strengthening our offering to clients and playing our part as an engaged and responsible member of the London business community.”
The opening follows strong financial performance in 2025, with the firm citing revenues surpassing £60m and pre-tax profits of £20.3m, up from £18.1m the previous year. The firm said that growth and its continued investment in people – it now has a 600-strong workforce – have enabled it to establish a long-term presence in the capital as its next phase of development. It previously opened an office in Leeds in 2022.
Robert White, CEO, said: “This year’s financial performance provides a fantastic springboard as we begin the next phase of our growth.
“What we have achieved in the last year, and the past eight years, is testament to the quality of our firm, the ambition of our clients and the strength of our relationships with them, as well as the aspiration and commitment of our people.”
He added: “Surpassing the £60m revenue mark is a significant milestone. And as we look ahead, our focus remains on delivering client-centred, scalable growth that enhances our ability to invest in exceptional talent, technology and innovation, and above all else that supports and protects our independence.”
The firm acted on transactions worth more than £500m in the first half of 2025 alone, double the value of the same period in 2024, while its sports team continued to grow with new mandates such as acting for Wrexham AFC.
It remained committed to its True North network, dedicated to unlocking the North’s economic potential while maintaining social mobility, with 36% of its current trainee cohort coming from backgrounds of high socio-economic disadvantage prior to recruitment.
Brabners, which is B Corp-recognised, said it would lead on social impact in London as it grows its presence in the capital, having previously been recognised with regional equality, diversity and inclusion awards.
It also supports a bursary, which provides financial support for aspiring lawyers from diverse backgrounds, named in honour of the late Maurice Watkins CBE, a long-serving Manchester United club solicitor, board member and senior partner.
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