Penningtons Manches Cooper's goal is to become the "most human law firm". Chief executive, David Raine, says it wants to become a company that provides a "cohesive, collaborative, motivating workplace".

"We recognise that our people are key to our success as a business — an engaged workforce is, of course, a happy and productive one," he says.

Penningtons Manches Cooper has offices in London, Basingstoke, Birmingham, Cambridge, Guildford, Oxford and Reading and an overseas network stretching from Asia to South America.

It has 130 partners and more than 880 staff internationally. Its main areas of practice are dispute resolution, corporate and commercial, real estate, private clients and family.

The firm has established a strong reputation in a variety of sectors, particularly private wealth, shipping, technology and property. Their lawyers are recognised for their expertise in life sciences, education, retail, sports and entertainment and international trade.

By joining forces with the partners and staff of Thomas Cooper in 2019, the firm built on the expansion of its litigation and arbitration service and introduced them to the maritime community in which Thomas Cooper has long been a key player.

Clients include multinational corporations, public companies, professional partnerships, banks and financial institutions, as well as private individuals, owner-managed businesses and start-ups. The firm's culture and close working relationships are considered vital assets.

Penningtons Manches Cooper is a member of Multilaw and the European Law Group, which have representatives in more than 100 countries, and many of its lawyers play leading roles in international bodies.