Leeds has recently been celebrated as the best place to live in the north and north-east, with its legal sector being a major factor in its acclaim, according to the Sunday Times.
- Recognised for its dynamic job market, Leeds is noted as the best city for salary offerings outside of London.
- The city’s vibrant cultural scene is accentuated by its unique offering of opera, ballet, and theatrical companies.
- Leeds is home to a thriving legal sector, boasting 1,560 firms and contributing significantly to the city’s economic strength.
- Despite technological challenges, Leeds remains a legal hub, attracting a significant number of law firms and professionals.
Leeds has garnered recognition as the premier city to reside in the north, according to the Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live guide. This acknowledgment is heavily attributed to the city’s robust legal sector. Notably, the legal industry in Leeds contributes substantially to its economy, with a gross value added (GVA) of £925 million, accounting for 4% of the UK’s total GVA for legal services.
The city’s job market is a significant draw for residents, with Leeds being highlighted as the best-paying city outside of London. This economic strength is further bolstered by its status as a hub for educational and cultural activities, underscored by its five universities and the unique presence of opera, ballet, and theatre companies.
In terms of shopping, Leeds is unrivalled, offering an array of options from bustling markets to the grand Victorian arcades and the expansive Trinity Leeds mega-mall. These diverse retail opportunities contribute to Leeds’ reputation as a leading destination for both residents and visitors alike.
A cornerstone of Leeds’ appeal is its formidable legal sector. Housing approximately 1,560 firms and over 14,400 professionals, Leeds stands out as a leading centre for legal activities in the region. The presence of prominent firms, referred to as the ‘Big Six,’ cements its status as a legal powerhouse.
However, the legal community in Leeds does face certain challenges, particularly in the realm of technology adoption. While larger firms in the area have made strides in digital transformation, the broader sector remains at the nascent stages of technological integration. Nevertheless, the potential for growth in LegalTech is significant, as indicated by the insights from the 2020 Leeds City Region LegalTech & Innovation report.
Furthermore, Leeds continues to attract top legal talent, with 3,700 law graduates entering the workforce annually. The city’s influence extends beyond its borders, with nearly 59,000 individuals employed in legal services across the north. This underscores the regional significance of Leeds’ legal sector, reinforcing the city’s status as a legal hub.
Leeds’ strong legal sector and economic vibrancy cement its status as the leading city to live in the north.
