LAW firm Dickinson Dees has again topped the region's Legal 500 list, having achieved high-profile deals across all its practice areas.

The company, which is based in Newcastle and has offices in Stockton, York and London, was praised for its "national reputation for excellence".

It is the largest law firm in the region, with 71 partners and more than 900 staff nationwide, and tops the tables in specialist areas, including corporate tax, commercial litigation, commercial property, debt recovery, employment, family, pensions and planning.

Earlier this summer, Dickinson Dees reported a record year of growth, with turnover up 17 per cent to £56m and profits per equity partner up 14 per cent.

During its last financial year, the company oversaw £7bn worth of deals. Last December, the company merged with Philip Ashworth and Co, in York, and earlier this year it opened its office in London.