About

Since 1715 we’ve been working closely with individuals, businesses, trusts, charities and organisations of all kinds to advise on legal issues. Some of those relationships go back generations.

Every client is different, but they all share one thing: they trust us to get to know their situation inside-out, and support them with a dedicated, partner-led team.

Named as one of The Times’ Best Law Firms 2024, we’re particularly known for our private wealth, property and family law practices. And we offer highly specialised advice in arts and heritage law, and for the charity sector.

Some values are timeless. We should know.

We’ve been around for over 300 years – most of them in Lincoln’s Inn, at the heart of English law. Which means we’ve had a lot of practice at moving with the times and staying at the top of our game.

And while we now work with everyone from entrepreneurs to landed estates, some things have never changed.

We take the utmost care of our clients.

We work hard, and don’t charge more than we need to.

Most of all: we get results.

300+

years of meeting the needs of our clients

Over 300 years of forward thinking

1715

Attorney Ambrose Newton founds his business in Aldermanbury in the City of London. In 1741, his son Richard joins him.

1799

Ambrose and Richard move the practice to 7 New Square, Lincoln’s Inn

1802

John Aldridge and Ralph Colley Smith are established at 9 New Square, where Hunters is based to this day.

1815

The firm marks its first 100 years.

1834

Richard Hunter joins the firm at 9 New Square. Frederick Gwatkin follows the next year.

1839

John Aldridge dies, naming his partners at what is now Colley Smith, Hunter and Gwatkin as his executors and trustees.

1847

Ralph Colley Smith dies a bachelor, leaving a huge estate and the contents of 9 New Square. For the first time, the firm leads with the name Hunter.

1879

Richard Hunter retires, and John becomes head of the firm. Richard’s second son Robert Lewin Hunter also joins as a solicitor.

1915

The firm marks 200 years now as Hunter & Haynes.

1930

Winchester College unveils a cricket pavilion called The Hunter, in honour of Robert Lewin Hunter’s three sons.

1942

Robert Lewin Hunter dies, aged 90.

2001

Hunters merges with Alexanders.

2011

Hunters merges with private client firm Vernor-Miles and Noble.

2015

We celebrate 300 years of Hunters and merge with private client firm May, May & Merrimans.

2019

Hunters becomes an LLP.

2021

One office at 9 New Square.

2024

Hunters introduces new branding.