Legal PR Firm Expands into MediaCity as Law Firm Reputation Race Fuels Rapid Growth

A Manchester-based legal PR agency has doubled in size after reporting a surge in demand from law firms facing heightened public and media scrutiny.

Inked PR has this month relocated to new offices in MediaCity’s Blue Tower, following a year in which it doubled both its client base and headcount. The move places the specialist agency alongside major broadcasters including BBC and ITV.

The firm, which advises practices ranging from boutique regional outfits to large city law firms, says enquiries from solicitors have accelerated as competition intensifies and reputation management climbs the boardroom agenda.

A survey carried out by Inked PR among some of the UK’s leading law firms, revealed that just one in four (25%) British lawyers feels “highly respected” by the general public, while a majority (68%) feels only “somewhat respected” or neutrally perceived. A further 7% reported a perceived disrespect towards their profession.

Naumaan Farooq, Co-Founder and Head of PR at Inked PR, brings nearly 20 years of experience inside national newsrooms and a track record advising some of the world’s leading companies on reputation and public image.

He reflected on the growing concerns law firms have about their own reputations and authority in the sector.

“The legal industry has always been the subject of stereotyping, but firms are starting to care more about their brand and how they are perceived by clients and competitors,” he said.

“Solicitors are coming to us because they want to shout about the positive things they are doing and control their messaging in a meaningful way.

“What we are building for the legal industry is about raising awareness of the profession and protecting reputations by starting meaningful conversations.

“The past year, in particular, has been extraordinary for us. We’ve seen unprecedented demand from lawyers who recognise the value of strategic media and reputation management, and our expansion ensures we can meet it head-on.

“Today’s lawyers aren’t just focused on cases, they’re aware of how they’re perceived publicly. Our clients understand that a well-managed image can be just as important as courtroom success.”

Analysis from Inked PR also shows how public interest in legal matters is growing – with cases including the Supreme Court’s 2025 decision on gender identity being among the UK’s most searched news stories.

Google Trends data further shows searches for “lawyer” have risen by 40% since 2020.

Naumaan added: “Legal businesses are becoming far more selective about who represents them publicly. They want advisers who understand both media pressure and professional responsibility.

“The growth we have seen reflects that shift, and our move to MediaCity UK supports the next stage of how we work with clients. Being at the heart of the UK’s media hub gives us the space and tools to help clients be seen and heard in more diverse ways than ever before.

“This includes placing the team closer to media and broadcast partners.

He added: “I couldn’t be prouder of the team. This next chapter allows us to build on our success and continue delivering exceptional results for our clients, in what is becoming, an ever more complex media world.”