In 2002, shortly after LLP regulations first allowed firms to move away from partner surnames, our founder, Carole Hailey, made a bold and forward-thinking choice. Rather than naming the firm after herself, she launched Waterfront Law – signalling from the outset that this would be a collective venture built on agility, adaptability, and shared purpose.
That decision set the firm apart. It reflected a belief that true partnership comes from working shoulder-to-shoulder, not from a list of initials above the door.
Those founding principles continue to guide us today. We blend deep expertise across intellectual property, dispute resolution, corporate and commercial, and employment law with a genuinely collegial culture that keeps clients at the centre of every solution. By continually refining our methods and embracing fresh perspectives, we ensure that every engagement benefits from the same spirit of innovation that inspired our name.
Today, the firm’s partners are taking it into the next era. Together, they deliver City-level expertise without unnecessary complexity; integrating our practices seamlessly to help ambitious clients focus on what matters most.
Waterfront Law is a partner-led firm. Clients work directly with senior lawyers who take ownership of their matters and remain closely involved from start to finish.
Our culture is built on integrity, collaboration, and precision. We value clear thinking, straight-talking advice, and long-term relationships. That approach allows us to act decisively when required, while remaining approachable and pragmatic in how we work with clients.
Waterfront Law is consistently recognised in leading legal directories including Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, as well as specialist publications such as World Trademark Review. These rankings reflect our technical expertise, quality of service, and partner-led approach.
Whether you are protecting innovation, navigating change, or resolving a dispute, Waterfront Law provides the clarity, expertise, and partnership needed to move forward with confidence.
We’re tenacious, strategic, and never afraid to stand up for our clients’ interests – no matter the size of the opponent. We back our clients all the way with sharp thinking, sound judgement, and real commitment.
We bring deep legal expertise and strong commercial understanding. We tailor our Partner-led advice to what matters most: helping clients make confident, well-informed decisions.
We’re easy to work with. Clients trust us because we’re open, friendly, and straight-talking. We make complex issues clear, and we’re always accessible when it counts.
We’ve brought together a multidisciplinary team of expert solicitors who work collaboratively to understand your goals and provide tailored solutions that reflect the commercial reality you operate in.