HCR LAW, which has offices in the Wye Valley and Hereford, has strengthened its position in the Legal 500 rankings after achieving a record number of listings across England and Wales.

The law firm secured 81 practice rankings and 82 individual lawyer rankings in the Legal 500 2027 results, including 12 areas appearing for the first time and 10 which improved their position compared with last year.

HCR employs more than 1,000 staff and partners across 13 offices, including its Wye Valley and Hereford bases, giving the results a local connection for clients and businesses across the Ross-on-Wye area.

The Legal 500 is an independent directory of law firms which bases its rankings on research involving clients and legal professionals.

Twenty HCR practice areas were placed in the highest Tier 1 category this year, up from 18 in 2026, while the firm also secured four ‘Firms to watch’ listings.

The results included further recognition for HCR’s Agriculture and Estates work, an area of particular relevance across rural Herefordshire and the Wye Valley.

Its Agriculture and Estates team in Wales retained its Tier 1 ranking, while the equivalent West Midlands practice was ranked in Tier 2, with Alex Robinson recognised as a Leading Partner.

Elsewhere, HCR’s Corporate and Commercial practice was recognised in every region where the firm has an office, with new and improved rankings recorded during the year.

The firm said it had also maintained its position as the UK’s most active legal adviser for mergers and acquisitions activity according to Experian MarketIQ.

HCR’s wider growth has included the integration of Wright Hassall in November 2025, establishing its Leamington Spa office, while its Norwich operation moved into larger premises in July.

In Wales, the Cardiff office improved its rankings for Commercial litigation and Personal tax, trusts and probate, with both moving into Tier 2. Commercial property also entered the Welsh rankings for the first time.

Managing Partner Rod Thomas said the results reflected continued investment in the business and its specialist teams.

He said: “These results reflect the trust our clients place in us and the dedication of colleagues across the firm.

“Over the past year, we’ve continued to invest in our people, our offices and our specialist expertise, while expanding our presence in key regions.

“Securing 12 new rankings and 10 ranking improvements demonstrates the strength of our full-service offering and the quality of advice we provide to clients across England and Wales.”

More than 200 HCR lawyers were mentioned individually by the directory, including 43 Leading Partners, 14 Leading Associates and 18 Next Generation Partners.

Seven members of the firm were also included in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame.

The firm’s Wye Valley presence provides legal services to clients across the Ross-on-Wye area and surrounding communities, with HCR’s wider network offering specialist advice across sectors including agriculture, private wealth, charities, education, healthcare and technology nationally.

HCR, which has a turnover of around £112 million, provides legal services to businesses, organisations and individuals across England and Wales.

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