Business Details
Trusted Legal Experts Since 1877
As a law firm with deep roots in the communities we serve, Davis Blank Furniss combines traditional values with innovative thinking to deliver exceptional legal services. Established in Glossop in 1877 and expanding to Manchester in the 1930s, our firm has cultivated a reputation for unrivalled professionalism and client-focused service. With over 50 dedicated professionals in Manchester and a strong presence in Glossop, we provide comprehensive legal guidance across personal and business matters. Our solicitors maintain cutting-edge expertise in their respective fields, ensuring clients receive tailored advice that addresses their unique circumstances.We prioritise collaborative teamwork, transparent communication, and meticulous attention to detail, enabling clients to navigate legal complexities with confidence. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our status as one of Manchester's leading law firms, with a legacy of trust built over 140 years. We actively engage with local communities through initiatives like free legal clinics and sponsorships, reinforcing our dedication to making legal support accessible and meaningful.
Services
Clinical Negligence Claims
Family Law
Personal Injury Claims
Probate Services
Residential Property
Business Dispute Resolution
Commercial Property
Corporate Law
Professional Negligence
Employment Law
Highlights and features
- Established in 1877 with proven legal expertise
- 60+ experienced legal professionals across two offices
- Award-winning client service with 5-star Manchester ratings
- Specialist solicitors covering all personal & business law needs
- Active community engagement through free legal clinics
What people say
Very responsive service
Practical solutions
Professional expertise
Strong communication
Prompt solutions
Services
Business Dispute Resolution
Our experienced team resolves business conflicts efficiently, prioritising commercial realities while managing legal complexities. We handle contract disputes, debt recovery, partnership disagreements and more, offering strategic guidance to protect your interests. Clients benefit from our pragmatic approach that focuses on achieving practical solutions while maintaining professional relationships. With decades of experience in the North West business community, we understand the importance of timely resolutions that safeguard ongoing operations and financial stability.
Commercial Property
We provide expert advice on all aspects of commercial property transactions across Manchester and the North West. Our services include acquisitions, sales, development projects and lease agreements for businesses of all sizes. Our solicitors work closely with developers, investors and occupiers to navigate complex property matters efficiently. With specialist knowledge of commercial mortgages and SIPP/SSAS property transfers, we deliver tailored solutions that align with business objectives while ensuring legal compliance throughout the transaction process.
Corporate Law
Our corporate legal team supports businesses through every stage of growth, from formation to complex transactions. We advise on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, shareholder agreements and restructuring matters. With decades of experience serving North West businesses, we combine technical expertise with practical commercial awareness to help clients achieve their strategic goals. Our services extend to corporate immigration and international transactions, providing comprehensive support for expanding businesses.
Family Law Services
We offer compassionate yet pragmatic family law advice covering divorce, child arrangements and financial settlements. Our solicitors understand the emotional complexities involved while maintaining focus on achieving fair outcomes. We specialise in resolving disputes through negotiation and mediation where possible, reducing stress and costs. With experience handling complex financial cases and cross-border matters, we provide tailored solutions that protect families' best interests while ensuring legal compliance.
Personal Injury Claims
Our dedicated personal injury team secures compensation for clients injured through no fault of their own. We handle road traffic accidents, workplace injuries and medical negligence cases with sensitivity and determination. Our approach balances empathy with robust advocacy, ensuring clients receive appropriate support while pursuing rightful claims. We work closely with medical experts and rehabilitation providers to address both immediate and long-term needs, aiming to restore clients' quality of life after traumatic incidents.
People
Richard Hamilton
Managing Partner
Leading our Manchester office, Richard brings strategic vision and extensive legal experience to oversee the firm's operations and client service standards.
Kate Oldfield
Senior Partner
With responsibility for both Manchester and Glossop offices, Kate combines legal expertise with operational leadership to maintain our service excellence.
Andrew Ryan
Partner
Head of Dispute Resolution in Manchester, Andrew specialises in commercial conflict resolution with particular expertise in property litigation matters.
Kirsty Morbey
Partner
Dual-qualified solicitor based in Manchester and Glossop, Kirsty provides expert family law advice while maintaining focus on client welfare.
Rosie Korcz
Partner
Commercial property specialist in Manchester, Rosie offers practical legal solutions for property transactions while supporting local business development.
Questions
What areas do you cover as local solicitors?
We serve Manchester, Glossop, Lancashire, Cumbria, Merseyside and North Wales from our two offices.
What specialisms do you offer as a law firm?
We provide family law, commercial property, business disputes, personal injury claims, and probate services.
Are you available for urgent legal matters?
While we don't offer 24/7 services, our teams prioritise prompt responses to urgent client needs.
What makes your firm different from other solicitors?
We combine 140+ years of heritage with modern legal expertise and community-focused service.
Reviews (6)
S. Campbell
Oct 27, 2021
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We instructed DBF in July for purchasing a property, and paid 360 for searches. Jennifer was assigned to our file, and she didn't introduce herself to us or answer our emails/return phone calls until last week (mid October) after us chasing the searches for so long. We received the searches only after disinstructing DBF and they are for the incorrect address. We have asked for a refund, and still fobbed off with 'we'll get back to you' or 'will look into it'. I can only recommend that you avoid DBF. We really wish we went with a different firm from the start, but sadly, still have to chase this
Sean McAnulty
Oct 19, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
The service here is excellent. They have amazing attention to detail, and explain everything for clearly. Very good communication between client and solicitor. Fantastic knowledge and tenacity when coming up against difficulties. Highly recommended, and will use in the future.
The service here is excellent. They have amazing attention to detail, and explain everything for clearly. Very good communication between client and solicitor. Fantastic knowledge and tenacity when coming up against difficulties. Highly recommended, and will use in the future.
Pete Watkins
Oct 07, 2021
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Michael Ball handled the whole process so smoothly and efficiently and I never had to chase him once, which I have to admit was not the type of service I had been used. I would recommend him and the team at D-B-F without any hesitation.
Ionela Amy
Sep 19, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Worked with DBF for the sale of our house. Michael Ball dealt with our conveyancing process and cannot praise him enough. He responded instantly to all our enquiries and offered and outstanding customer care, explained everything in detail and trusted his judgment completely. Thank you so much!
Worked with DBF for the sale of our house. Michael Ball dealt with our conveyancing process and cannot praise him enough. He responded instantly to all our enquiries and offered and outstanding customer care, explained everything in detail and trusted his judgment completely. Thank you so much!
Chris Swain
Sep 17, 2021
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Just sold my house and had the pleasure of Micheal Ball at DBF being appointed as our solicitor, he was absolutely brilliant from start to finish always available to answer any queries and to explain things if we were unsure, really made our home move less stressful. Thankyou Micheal
Philip Dodd
Aug 26, 2021
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We recently sold a house using DBF (Manchester) as our solicitor. Michael Ball was our contact. Michael's professionalism, understanding, communication and speed of response to emails was excellent. Something I thought was going to be stressful and a nightmare was made easy by Michael. We felt at ease and comfortable all through the process. Even completion day was calm. I have heard of horror stories from people, but ours was completely fine. It is important you have faith and trust in your solicitor In Michael we do. Thank you Michael.
