Irwin Mitchell is top national law firm

Independent judges awarded Irwin Mitchell first place because of its strategic vision, consistent delivery of client service, strong spread of work, evidence of excellence and a strong financial performance.

The firm was commended for the way it has repositioned itself effectively ahead of the challenges which will arise following the likely deregulation of the legal industry.

Earlier this year, the firm merged with Glasgow and Manchester based law firm Golds, to create the most diverse supplier of commoditised legal services in the UK. The firm is also the leading personal injury and medical negligence litigation practice in the country.

"This award is testament to the dedication of all our staff, who have worked hard on our steady growth and service to clients nationwide," said Howard Culley, National Managing Partner.

"We fully support the proposed changes to the legal industry set out in the Legal Services Bill and look forward to capitalising on the opportunities that a deregulated market will offer.

"Our aim is to position the firm as the leader in the delivery of volume legal services in the UK whilst continuing to develop our specialist areas of practice," said Howard.

The firm has enjoyed significant growth in recent years and is recognised as the 4th largest law firm in the UK.

It remains committed to its Sheffield roots with over 1000 employees based in the city, making the firm one of Sheffield's largest private employers.

Irwin Mitchell is unique in that it is the only top law firm that provides a full range of legal services to businesses, institutions and private individuals UK wide.

The firm has been rated number one for Clinical Negligence, Personal Injury and Professional Negligence by independent publication, Legal 500.

The firm's Sheffield offices also took the number one spot for Family law advising on complex multi jurisdictional private children matters, led by Head of Family Law Martin Loxley who the guide describes as ''particularly strong in high -value divorce and financial provision cases."

The Yorkshire IM Corporate Team, led by Partner Kevin Cunningham, has recently handled a number of high profile complex multi-million pound transactions. For example, the team acted for the MBO team in the acquisition of the Encore Direct Group, and for the sellers in the disposal of the whole of the issued share capital of Stocks Bros Limited.

It has also advised Samuel Hodge Group on a number of transactions including the disposal of Autoclude Limited and the acquisition of Combeeserve Limited.

Expanding areas of the firm include the Commercial Litigation arm which continues to enhance IM's exceptional reputation for litigation services and expertise.

Led by Nick Bates, Partner and Head of Commercial Litigation in the North, the team continues to develop its substantial commercial client base. For more information visit www.irwinmitchell.com or call 0870 1500 100.