The city that gave us football, mod haircuts and Oasis is now home to some of the UK's largest law firms. United Solicitors, Addleshaws and DLA Piper all train here with Hill Dickinson and Liverpudlian firm Brabners also offering training contracts. But what are the common practice areas for Manchester's leading law firms?

Corporate

Corporate law focuses on the ways in which companies are formed, governed and managed. It also encompasses matters relating to the rights of individuals within organisations. It is a broad area of the law and often involves cross-border work. It is common for many firms to handle both corporate and business law issues.

The success of native Manchester firms like DWF and Hill Dickinson has led to other major national firms establishing a presence in the city. This includes magic circle members Freshfields and Berwin Leighton Paisner, which have set up 'northshore' support offices in Manchester to take advantage of lower overhead costs. They are joined by the likes of Addleshaw Goddard and Slater Heelis. The team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP is well regarded for its expertise in owner-managed and family businesses. It handles a range of corporate matters including M&A and capital market issues.

Employment

This core area of law regulates the relationship between employers and employees. It deals with issues ranging from hiring and firing to workplace discrimination and data protection. You'll need a good grasp of current legislation and strong people management skills to succeed in this field.

It's fair to say that Manchester has an enviable reputation as a cultural and sporting hub, and with two top football clubs, renowned universities, and a thriving retail scene it's well placed for business too. It's no surprise then that many major national firms have offices in the city, with Manchester rivalling London as England's second largest legal market. Addleshaws, DLA Piper, DWF, and Freeths all have significant presences in the city, while even City stalwarts like Freshfields and Berwin Leighton Paisner operate support offices here.

Litigation

Litigation law covers the legal proceedings and processes for resolving rights-based disputes between people or companies, or between the government and individuals. The work often involves the filing of a law suit, negotiating settlements and arbitration, arguments over legal motions, courtroom trials and appeals.

A good litigation lawyer can help clients through moments of crisis. They might be dealing with an unfair dismissal, a disputed will or a criminal conviction. It's a demanding career but one that offers plenty of opportunities for promotion. Many of the larger regional outfits such as Addleshaws, DLA Piper and DWF have a strong presence in Manchester while City firms such as Freshfields and Berwin Leighton Paisner have launched Northern branches as low-cost support offices. These often offer training contracts.

Property

Nicknamed 'Cottonopolis' in Victorian times for its cotton spinning industry, Manchester is today known for its football glory, music schools and a bustling cultural scene. It also has a burgeoning business hub. As such, it is perhaps not so surprising that the city is now England's second biggest legal market, with major national and international firms opening offices there.

The property department at a law firm deals with all aspects of residential and commercial real estate and includes specialized fields such as mortgage lending and social housing. The majority of property work is transactional based, but there is also litigation involved. Property lawyers often have to be able to multi-task and must be able to communicate effectively with clients. They can be employed by local or large companies, and may have a range of clients including individuals.

Human rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights - adopted in 1948 - acts like a global road map for freedom and equality. Its acceptance by countries led to the development of a number of international human rights instruments, including treaties and conventions, as well as national legislation and constitutional provisions.

These instruments lay down legal obligations for states to implement international standards of human rights at the domestic level. This is achieved through a mix of state dialogue procedures (e.g., ombudsman offices) and monitoring bodies, which are empowered through specific provisions to carry out 'in situ' visits to monitor situations at the local level.

This area of law involves a high degree of interpersonal work, excellent advocacy skills and a deep understanding of multiple jurisdictions and cultures. It is a demanding and rewarding practice.

Insurance

Insurance law is a complex field that deals with the protection of individuals and businesses from financial loss. It can be divided into many sub-specialisms, including reinsurance, insurance claims and commercial litigation. Lawyers in this field must have good contract drafting skills and commercial awareness.

It's fair to say that Manchester is the UK's second largest legal market with major firms opening offices here all the time. It's also home to a huge range of specialist and niche practice areas.

It's a hugely diverse city with two top football teams, two world-class universities and a thriving retail scene. It's also a serious business hub, and it has a huge reputation for innovation and creativity. It's no wonder that many leading international firms choose to base themselves here.

Equity and trusts

With two top football clubs, world-class universities and a bustling shopping scene, it's no surprise that Manchester has grown into one of the UK's main cultural hubs. Its thriving economy has also led to a growing demand for legal talent.

United Solicitors corporate and commercial team has a broad range of experience in the middle market. It handles private equity and buyouts, and also focuses on IPOs, mergers and acquisitions. The team includes Muhammad Shahid, who works with mid-market private equity firms and management teams. He recently advised on the sale of a hospitality group.