Ison Harrison expands to 24 offices and reaches £35million turnover

Ison Harrison sets sights on national expansion as it opens 24th office and hits £35million turnover

Ison Harrison, a fast-growing, employee-owned law firm based in Yorkshire, has announced plans to expand outside the county following the opening of its 24th office. Managing partner Jonathan Wearing said that with each new office, the firm’s capabilities improve, allowing for better economies of scale, making it inevitable that the firm would explore opportunities beyond Yorkshire.

Wearing explained that many of the firm’s Yorkshire offices were opened because someone within the firm proposed the idea for a new location. This model of growth could extend to other regions if a good business case is presented. “If someone makes a good business case, why would I say no to them?” Wearing said, showing openness to new ideas, whether from within the firm or from other law firms looking for an exit.

Since becoming 100% employee-owned in January 2022, Ison Harrison has grown significantly, increasing its turnover from £16 million to over £35 million. The firm has expanded from 17 offices to 24, with the latest office opening in Middlesbrough. Wearing attributed the firm’s growth to a culture of investment for growth, stating that the business was “absolutely flying.”

While many law firms are reducing their physical office presence and focusing on online services, Ison Harrison remains committed to maintaining a local office model. Wearing believes that clients still value the ability to access local, professional services, even in an increasingly digital world. “Clients like the fact they are able to walk into a local office, even if they don’t actually do so,” he said. He emphasised the importance of a local presence in fostering community ties, allowing the firm to support local organisations and charities.

The firm’s employee-owned model has also played a key role in its success. More than 80% of its 400 staff work full-time in the office rather than remotely, contributing to a strong office culture. Wearing highlighted that the firm’s structure is “hub and spoke,” with centralised functions such as accounts, HR, and IT based at its Leeds headquarters, while branch offices focus on local services like conveyancing, family law, and wills and probate. The Leeds office also offers commercial services and legal aid, with lawyers travelling to client locations as needed.

Wearing explained that the firm’s business model, coupled with its employee ownership structure, has propelled its growth forward. Since transitioning to employee ownership, Ison Harrison has distributed significant bonuses to staff, with the first year’s bonus amounting to £3,600, followed by £4,000 in each of the next two years. A new bonus announcement is expected next week, and although the exact figure has not been disclosed, it is expected to exceed £4,000.

Looking ahead, Ison Harrison is focused on maintaining its community-based ethos while continuing to grow, both in Yorkshire and beyond.