Torque Law, the Yorkshire-based employment law firm, celebrated its tenth anniversary this month with an event in York that brought together clients, colleagues and professional contacts from across the UK.
Held on 10 September at the Hospitium in York Museum Gardens, the celebration reflected on a decade of growth that has taken Torque Law from a two-person start-up to a nationally recognised practice advising organisations in nine regions and 48 UK cities.
Torque Law was founded in 2016 by university friends and established employment law specialists Tiggy Clifford and Emma Whiting, who had built successful careers in the field before reuniting around a shared belief: that professional ambition shouldn’t come at the cost of family life. They launched the firm on the day their youngest daughters started primary school, beginning with a handful of clients and a clear vision – to build a genuine regional alternative to London’s City firms, without compromising on the calibre of advice.
A decade on, the firm’s client base has grown more than sevenfold. It is trusted by household-name employers, global organisations and professional services firms across the country, and has built a national reputation for pairing technical excellence with a genuinely relationship-driven approach to client service.
That reputation has been backed by independent recognition. Over the past 18 months, Torque Law has been named in The Times Best Law Firms 2025, maintained its Band 1 ranking in Chambers & Partners, picked up three Legal 500 awards for client satisfaction and quality, and been shortlisted for Employment Law Team of the Year at the Yorkshire Legal Awards.
Co-founder Tiggy Clifford said: “When we launched Torque Law, we had a simple vision: to do the work we enjoyed, for the clients we liked, and a firm belief that nationally significant work could be delivered from Yorkshire through trust, collaboration and respectful relationships. Looking around the room at our celebration and seeing clients, colleagues and advocates who have been part of that journey was incredibly special.”
The firm’s relationship-led approach has also fuelled growth in London, attracting instructions from organisations previously advised by Magic Circle and Silver Circle firms – several of whom made the journey to York for the anniversary.
Co-founder Emma Whiting said: “What makes me most proud isn’t the growth itself, it’s the relationships behind it. Many of the people who joined us to celebrate have been part of our story for years, whether as clients, professional contacts or colleagues. Their trust has helped shape the business we are today. We’ve always believed exceptional client service starts with genuinely understanding people, their organisations and what matters most to them, and that philosophy remains at the heart of everything we do as we enter our second decade.”
Despite its national profile, Torque Law remains proudly rooted in Yorkshire and has continued to invest in its people alongside its growth. Over the past two years, the female-led practice has expanded its team, strengthened its leadership structure, and deepened its commitment to coaching, professional development and flexible working.
Tiggy Clifford added: “One of the things we’re most proud of is creating opportunities for talented people to build rewarding careers in Yorkshire. We’ve always believed lawyers shouldn’t have to choose between high-quality work and a fulfilling life outside it. We’re looking to grow our team and are always interested in hearing from exceptional lawyers who share our values and would be a great fit for our clients.”
For the Torque Law team, the anniversary celebration was about more than marking a milestone. It was an opportunity to thank the clients, colleagues and professional contacts who have contributed to the firm’s success and to celebrate the relationships that continue to drive the business forward.
Image provided by Torque Law
