Your article on the growing legal scene in Manchester was entitled 'second city?' (see [2008] Gazette, 22 May, 18), but it did not substantiate that headline. Rather, you factually reported the undoubted strengths of the Manchester region.


As the chair of Leeds Legal - the UK's only city-based generic legal marketing campaign - I would claim that Leeds is the largest legal market outside of London. For the last two years we have successfully run a campaign, both in the UK and overseas, highlighting the qualities of Leeds as a significant legal centre.



The facts are that Leeds lawyers represent more than 80 firms within the centre of the city. Over 8,000 legal professionals are employed in total.



Leeds also has more than 2,500 law students at its three highly acclaimed academic institutions: the University of Leeds, Leeds Metropolitan University and BPP Law School.



Our view of Leeds' legal prominence is shared by Professor Alan Paterson of Strathclyde University, who described Leeds as 'the largest legal market outside of London'. This was further reinforced by the Prime Minister, who when Chancellor of the Exchequer acknowledged Leeds as one of two key financial clusters outside London - the other being Edinburgh. Key to the success of these cities, he said, was the critical support provided by strong corporate legal services.



I have no doubt that your rhetorical question will draw competing comments from other cities. Suffice to say that it is encouraging for the entire profession to acknowledge the strength, depth and quality of legal advice now available in many of our major regional cities.



Alan Baker, chairman, Leeds Legal



- The Gazette will be visiting Leeds next month.