For EMW, being in Northampton isn’t just about geography, it’s about identity. More than three decades after the firm was first founded in the town, EMW has re-established its presence in Northampton, returning to the community where its story began.
Founded in 1992, EMW started life as a small team determined to do things differently: offering high-quality legal advice with a personal touch and a sense of humour. That formula worked. Today, the firm operates across five offices, Northampton, Milton Keynes, London, Watford and Brighton, advising clients throughout the UK on everything from commercial deals to property, employment and private client work.
But Northampton remains special. It’s where the firm’s culture of collaboration and entrepreneurial energy was first shaped, and where those same values are now being used to build the next stage of EMW’s growth.
“Northampton has always felt like home,” said James Geary, Managing Partner at EMW. “It’s a vibrant town full of ambition and opportunity, with a business community that shares our values. Coming back here feels like reconnecting with the place that helped define who we are.”
Building on strong foundations
EMW’s return to Northampton was reinforced in 2024 through its merger with local practice SP Law, a partnership that brought together two teams with shared values and a deep understanding of the region. The merger gave EMW a renewed local footprint, but it was only the beginning of a much bigger plan.
Now firmly embedded in the Northampton business landscape once again, EMW is focused on sustainable growth, investing in people, innovation and community partnerships to strengthen its impact both locally and nationally.
“We’ve spent the past year consolidating and getting to know our local clients, many of whom we’ve worked with for years,” said Partner Hassan Shah. “The next phase is all about expansion, attracting great talent, deepening relationships, and creating opportunities for the next generation of lawyers and entrepreneurs in Northamptonshire.”
Plans include expanding key practice areas in commercial property, employment and private client work, while also growing EMW’s role as a business partner to the region’s thriving owner-managed and family businesses.
“Northampton has a unique business ecosystem, ambitious, innovative, but grounded,” added Partner Sundip Patel. “We want to be the go-to firm for that market: accessible, collaborative, and commercially sharp.”
Purpose at the core
While EMW’s Northampton roots go back over 30 years, its mindset is firmly modern. The firm became a certified B Corporation in 2023, joining a global movement of businesses committed to balancing profit with purpose.
For EMW, the certification is not about optics; it’s about accountability.
James said: “Being a B Corp means holding ourselves to higher standards – socially, environmentally and ethically. It aligns perfectly with our culture. We’ve always believed that success isn’t just about what you achieve, but how you achieve it.”
From reducing its environmental impact to supporting local charities, mental health initiatives and community organisations, EMW’s B Corp values are visible across its offices. The Northampton team is already engaging with local schools and business groups to share knowledge, mentor young professionals and help drive inclusive growth.
“It’s about being a positive force in the places where we live and work,” said Hassan. “We want to prove that a successful commercial law firm can also be a responsible, community-minded business that makes a real difference.”
Why clients choose EMW
Clients often say that what sets EMW apart isn’t just expertise, it’s attitude. The firm offers a full range of legal services, but what clients notice most is the way EMW delivers them: approachable, clear and human.
“We take the work seriously, not ourselves,” said James. “Law can be complex, but our job is to make it simpler. We listen, we collaborate, and we give practical advice that helps clients move forward with confidence.”
That philosophy has helped EMW build enduring relationships across a wide range of industries – from start-ups and SMEs to large corporates and public sector bodies. Many clients see EMW as more than their lawyers: they’re business partners, sounding boards and problem-solvers who bring both technical know-how and genuine enthusiasm to every challenge.
In Northampton, that approach resonates particularly well. The county’s economy is driven by people who value trust, responsiveness and long-term relationships, qualities that mirror EMW’s own ethos.
“Clients here know us, they like how we work, and they appreciate that we’re local but with national reach,” added James “It’s the best of both worlds.”
A growing future in Northampton
As EMW looks ahead, its ambitions for Northampton are clear: growth that’s both commercial and community led. The firm is already recruiting new lawyers, expanding its client base and exploring opportunities to collaborate with local organisations on projects that make a broader impact, from sustainability to social mobility.
“The energy in Northampton’s business scene is incredible right now,” said James. “There’s innovation everywhere, in logistics, property, manufacturing and the service industries. We want to be right at the centre of that, helping clients navigate challenges and seize opportunities.”
Beyond growth, EMW’s vision is to continue shaping a culture that feels different from the traditional law firm model, one where personality, creativity and wellbeing matter just as much as performance. The firm’s B Corp journey has reinforced that philosophy, providing a framework for growth that balances commercial success with positive impact.
“Ultimately, we want to build a firm that our people are proud of, and our clients are inspired to work with,” said James “Northampton is an essential part of that story; it’s our past, our present, and our future.”
From its roots in the early Nineties to its modern, purpose-driven evolution, EMW’s story has come full circle. Returning to Northampton isn’t a nostalgic gesture; it’s a statement of intent, to grow, to innovate and to continue doing law differently.
For a firm that has always believed business should be done with integrity, humour and heart, there’s no better place to do it than back where it all began.
To find out more, contact EMW on 0345 070 6000, email enquiries@emwlaw.com or visit their website.
