Department profile
Barnes Law

SME-focused Firms

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Barnes Law

About

Provided by Barnes Law

Barnes Law is recognised for advising SME clients at all stages of the business lifecycle, including business formation, acquisitions, exits and at critical stages of their growth. Relevant areas of legal practice include corporate and M&A, commercial law and transactions, intellectual property, commercial real estate, franchise law, employment, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution.

The firm’s track record of helping businesses, owners and entrepreneurs to navigate these pivotal moments has established them as a trusted partner for clients seeking a tailored, collaborative approach to their legal advisory needs through periods of significant transition. Barnes Law’s partner-led boutique model ensures clients receive direct, senior-level guidance on their most important matters.

Diverse Sector Expertise

Barnes Law’s client base operates across a diverse range of sectors. Significant recent highlights include advising SME clients in the real estate, hospitality and leisure, luxury goods, logistics, technology, alternative investments and energy sectors on both contentious and non-contentious matters including transactional work, distribution and supplier agreements and commercial lease agreements.

Cross-Border Excellence

The firm frequently supports cross-border SMEs, including overseas clients on their UK market entrance, UK clients on their overseas expansion and cross-border disputes across Europe and the Middle East.

Industries (8)

  • Real Estate
  • Hospitality and Leisure
  • Technology
  • Energy
  • HNWIs
  • Luxury Goods
  • Alternative Investments
  • Construction

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

SME-focused Firms - UK-wide

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

Barnes Law was founded by Yulia Barnes in 2019 and is well placed to support small and medium-sized businesses, startups and individuals across the spectrum of commercial and contractual matters. The team is also able to offer services in IP, dispute resolution, immigration and employment, and has a client base spanning a range of sectors including leisure, hospitality and technology. The firm's lawyers have experience advising on matters with a cross-border element.

Notable practitioners

Yulia Barnes is a key contact.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Barnes Law have great attention to detail and a professional yet customer-focused and approachable style. The solicitors are always available to contact and highly responsive.

    SME-focused Firms respondentUK
  • Barnes Law stand out for their blend of legal expertise, commercial insight and client-focused service. The team provide seamless support, even in complex cases.

    SME-focused Firms respondentUK
  • The team are extremely knowledgeable and confident in handling complex corporate matters. Their expertise gave us real peace of mind throughout the process.

    SME-focused Firms respondentUK
  • The team's collaborative spirit and proactive, problem-solving approach greatly enhances efficiency and ensures seamless delivery of high-quality legal services.

    SME-focused Firms respondentUK

Members

Provided by Barnes Law

  • Yulia Barnes

    Head of Department

  • Mark Corran

  • Arran Dowling-Hussey

  • James Matthews

  • Nadia Szumilo

  • Grace Makungu

What success is built on

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