Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has strengthened its position among the leading advisers to FTSE 250 companies, climbing the client rankings in a competitive legal market.
The firm’s rise reflects growing demand among mid-cap listed companies for large international law firms capable of handling complex cross-border matters.
Slaughter and May continues to lead the pack among FTSE 250 advisers, maintaining its long-standing reputation as the go-to firm for major UK-listed businesses.
The magic circle firm has retained its dominance through deep client relationships and a focused partnership model that rivals have struggled to replicate in the UK market.
HSF Kramer, formed through the combination of Herbert Smith Freehills and US firm Kramer Levin, has been actively building its corporate client base since the merger was completed.
The combined firm brought together significant transactional and litigation capability, giving it a stronger platform to compete for mandates from large and mid-cap listed companies.
The FTSE 250 represents a key battleground for City law firms, as constituent companies regularly require advice on mergers, acquisitions, regulatory matters, and capital markets transactions.
Competition among top-tier firms for FTSE 250 instructions has intensified in recent years, with several international players investing heavily in their London corporate practices.
HSF Kramer’s upward movement in the rankings signals that the post-merger integration is beginning to translate into tangible commercial results for the business.
Slaughter and May’s continued leadership underlines the enduring strength of the independent model in the UK legal market, despite the ongoing globalisation of the profession.
The rankings reflect instructions handled across a range of practice areas, including corporate, finance, and disputes, giving a broad picture of each firm’s overall client relationships.
As FTSE 250 companies face increasing regulatory scrutiny and deal activity shows signs of recovery in 2026, demand for high-quality legal advice is expected to remain strong throughout the year.