If Northampton is where EMW’s story began, Milton Keynes is where it found its rhythm. For more than two decades, the city has been home to EMW’s largest office and a powerhouse of its operations, a place that captures the firm’s appetite for innovation, collaboration and growth.
Milton Keynes has always been a city that looks forward, not back and that’s exactly what makes it such a natural home for EMW.
“Milton Keynes has this incredible energy,” said James Geary, Managing Partner at EMW. “It’s entrepreneurial, ambitious and constantly evolving; and that’s exactly the mindset that drives our business. Our success here has always been built on shared values and shared momentum.”
Since opening its doors in Milton Keynes in the early 2000s, EMW has grown alongside the city’s own transformation. What began as a small regional office is now the firm’s main base, a vibrant hub housing teams across commercial, corporate, property, litigation, employment and private client disciplines.
The firm’s growth mirrors the city’s story. Milton Keynes has become one of the UK’s most dynamic business centres, with a reputation for innovation, connectivity and a can-do attitude. For EMW, being in the city means more than convenience, it’s a strategic choice that allows the firm to be close to clients, talent and opportunity.
“MK is brilliantly placed between London, the Midlands and the North, and that connectivity helps our clients as much as it helps us,” said James. “But what really stands out is the entrepreneurial spirit. There’s a sense of possibility here, that if you have an idea and the drive to make it happen, Milton Keynes is the place to do it.”
Growth rooted in culture
EMW’s presence in Milton Keynes has never been just about physical space; it’s about culture. The firm’s open, collaborative way of working, where ideas flow freely between teams, is reflected in the design and energy of its MK office. It’s a place where clients drop in for coffee, and conversations feel as natural as they are productive.
That culture has helped attract talented people who want to practise law differently, blending commercial sharpness with authenticity and warmth.
“We’ve built a team that genuinely enjoys working together,” said Priya Magar, Partner. “You can feel that energy when you walk into the office. Clients notice it too, they get straightforward advice from people who care about outcomes, not just outputs.”
It’s this combination of capability and character that has made EMW a go-to legal partner for businesses across the region. From fast-growing tech and logistics companies to long-established family businesses, EMW provides advice that’s practical, commercially focused and always tailored to what the client actually needs.
Purpose and progress
EMW’s growth in Milton Keynes also reflects its broader sense of purpose. The firm became a certified B Corporation in 2023, a recognition that it balances profit with people and the planet.
That philosophy is particularly visible in MK, where EMW’s office acts as the beating heart of its B Corp activity. Whether through partnerships with local charities, volunteering programmes, or initiatives focused on sustainability and wellbeing, the firm’s people are constantly finding ways to make a positive impact.
“Milton Keynes has a community that values innovation with integrity,” said Paul Bevington, Partner. “That aligns perfectly with our B Corp values. We’re building a business that’s successful because it’s responsible, not in spite of it.”
This purpose-driven approach is also proving attractive to clients who increasingly want to work with advisers who share their values. “Clients tell us they choose EMW because we don’t just talk about purpose, we live it. They want a partner who understands both the commercial and the ethical dimensions of running a modern business,” said Paul.
A strategic base for national growth
While EMW continues to expand its presence across its five locations: Milton Keynes, Northampton, Watford, Brighton and London, the Milton Keynes office remains central to the firm’s geographic strategy. It’s the operational heartbeat and a platform for future investment.
Over the next few years, EMW plans to grow all of its specialist teams in MK. The firm also intends to develop its learning and leadership programmes from the city, supporting professional development across all offices.
“Milton Keynes gives us the scale and connectivity to grow nationally, but it also gives us the sense of community that keeps us grounded,” said James.
“It’s where ideas are shared, teams collaborate, and our culture comes to life.”
The firm’s aspirations extend beyond growth metrics. EMW wants to play an active role in the city’s evolution, partnering with local businesses, supporting sustainability initiatives, and contributing to the civic and social fabric that makes Milton Keynes one of the UK’s most progressive places to live and work.
Why clients choose EMW
Clients often describe EMW as refreshingly different, a firm that combines expertise with personality. They value the fact that EMW lawyers speak in plain English, focus on solutions rather than obstacles, and approach relationships with humour and humility.
“Our ethos is simple: be brilliant at the law, but be human about it,” said James. “Clients don’t want to be dazzled with jargon; they want advice that works in the real world. We make sure we deliver that, every time.”
From advising fast-growth companies on scaling up to supporting complex property developments or helping individuals plan their futures, EMW’s Milton Keynes team brings the same commitment to clarity, collaboration and care.
A city and a firm looking forward
As Milton Keynes continues to grow, with new businesses, infrastructure and investment reshaping the landscape, EMW intends to grow with it. The firm’s long-standing presence gives it a unique perspective: it’s both part of the city’s history and an active participant in its future.
“Milton Keynes has always been a city that moves fast and thinks big,” said James. “That’s exactly what we’re doing too. We’re proud to be part of this community, proud of the partnerships we’ve built here, and excited for what’s next.”
For EMW, Milton Keynes isn’t just another office. It’s a reflection of what the firm is: ambitious, connected and full of ideas, a place where people, purpose and progress all come together.
To find out more, contact EMW on 0345 070 6000, email enquiries@emwlaw.com or visit their website.
