TLT appoints new head of location to lead team in Manchester

TLT has appointed partner James Chadwick as its new head of location in Manchester, to lead its team of over 200 colleagues, building on a decade of growth in the North West. 

James succeeds partner Graeme Orchison who has stepped away from the position after ten years at the helm of TLT in the region.  

Under Graeme’s leadership, TLT has achieved record financial growth in Manchester, expanded from a team of three to a headcount of over 200 employees and supported some of the most successful and prominent businesses in the Northwest. Graeme will continue to play a key role in the development of the firm’s offering to key retail clients on all aspects of IP dispute resolution. 

James first joined TLT in 2013 when the firm first opened its doors in Manchester. He joined as an associate in the financial services litigation and contentious financial regulation team, before being  

promoted to partner in 2015. Having worked in the North West legal market throughout his career, James has an in-depth understanding of the region’s business eco-system enabling him to provide industry-leading support and legal advice to clients.  

In line with TLT’s national strategy, James’ vision for TLT in Manchester will see him build on the firm’s recent successes with a focus on enhancing the firm’s offering across its seven key sectors – future energy; financial services; retail and consumer goods; real estate; leisure, food and drink; government and public services; and digital.  

Beyond legal work, James is wellbeing champion at TLT and a passionate advocate of flexible working and promoting a healthy work / life balance – commitments, which will be embodied in his strategic vision for the next ten years.  

James Chadwick said: “From winning Manchester Law Firm of the Year in 2022 to signing the lease to take the top two floors in Eden this summer, the last few years have been phenomenal for the team in Manchester. We’ve had a huge period of growth across the UK, which we have seen reflected in Manchester through client demand. This is an exciting time to be working at TLT and I’m looking forward to working with colleagues and clients on supporting the next steps of the firm’s growth.”  

Managing partner John Wood said: “Growing our presence and capability in Manchester is a critical part of our strategy. James has the vision and ambition to support TLT as it looks to continue to build its footprint in the NorthWest and take the firm to the next level.”  

Graeme Orchison said: “It’s been an outstanding decade leading the team in Manchester and I’m proud to look back at where we started to where we are now. James’s expertise and knowledge of the NW market will instrumental in supporting the next stages of growth.”  

The news follows the recent announcement of three colleagues being promoted to partner in Manchester, as well as several key lateral hires in the region, including the appointment of Matthew Johnson as legal director in the housing and regeneration team.  

In 2023, TLT signed a major deal with national development partnership, The English Cities Fund (ECF), to take the top two floors at Eden, Salford – designed to be one of the UK’s most sustainable office buildings – for its new home in Manchester. The new office space will support the firm’s growth ambitions, whilst also bringing TLT one step closer to achieving its net-zero targets and enhancing its flexible working offering.  

The firm was awarded Manchester Law Firm of the Year in 2022 and has also celebrated a number of nominations this year in regional awards. These have included Kirsty Wilson being shortlisted for the Young Corporate Lawyer of the Year Award at the Insider North West Young Professionals Awards; and three nominations at the Legal 500 Northern PowerHouse Awards.