HCR Law strengthens East Anglia reach with new Norwich office

Top 50 UK law firm HCR Law has expanded into Norwich marking the next step in its strategic growth across England and Wales, reinforcing its commitment to clients and the local community.

Led by Frank Brumby, the Norwich office builds on HCR’s strong position in Cambridgeshire and the East of England.

This move is disrupting the local legal market, attracting top talent from leading firms in East Anglia to HCR’s growing Norwich team.

Since opening earlier this year, the Norwich office has welcomed four new Partners – Amy Walpole, Nathan Muskett, Cara Keen, and most recently Robert Pyke – as part of an expanding team with ambitious plans for continued growth.

Amy Walpole, a leading family law expert, was the first senior appointment and is Head of Family for East Anglia. Her appointment marked a key milestone in HCR’s plans to establish a Norwich office. Amy brings strong regional connections, and acts for entrepreneurs, business owners, and landowners. Amy helps find innovative and effective solutions to protect client interests during relationship breakdown and helps clients navigate complex divorces. Amy mentors at the University of East Anglia Law School, is a member of Resolution and a trained collaborative lawyer, Amy is also listed as a Leading Lawyer by WiseLaw.

Nathan Muskett joined shortly after as Head of the Norwich Corporate Team. With a strong local reputation, Nathan has advised on owner-managed and family shareholder deals worth more than £750m across East Anglia. His leadership reinforces Corporate as a core practice area for Norwich and the wider region, reflected in HCR’s top ranking in the latest Experian MarketIQ league table for the East of England.

Currently based in flexible workspace on Crown Road, HCR is continually increasing its number of desks within the co-working environment.

This growth continued with the arrival of Cara Keen, a specialist in high-value commercial real estate transactions. Cara advises on acquisitions, refinancing, disposals, and the management of multi-let retail parks, warehousing, logistics schemes, and global investment fund portfolios. She also serves as a trustee of Original Projects, an artist-led charitable organisation in the East of England.

Completing the current team of senior hires, Robert Pyke joined as Partner in October. A highly regarded commercial property specialist, Robert advises on all aspects of commercial property, particularly assisting developers with acquisitions, infrastructure and disposals of commercial and residential development sites. His arrival further strengthens HCR’s offering in the region.

With an ever-increasing presence in Norwich, HCR is now negotiating a permanent office space to support future growth. This investment demonstrates the firm’s commitment to East Anglia, creating opportunities for leading local lawyers to build their careers at a top 50 UK law firm while delivering a full spectrum of legal services for businesses and individuals across Norwich and the wider region.

Community remains at the heart of HCR’s expansion into the city. The firm is deeply rooted in the local community, with lawyers who have lived and worked in East Anglia for years. It’s also the main sponsor of Wymondham RFC, a volunteer-led, family-friendly rugby club, reinforcing its commitment to the region.

Frank Brumby, Head of Norwich Office, said: “Our investment in Norwich is a direct response to client demand across East Anglia. We’re reshaping the legal landscape by bringing together top talent and delivering the services our clients need, where they need them

“We have bold ambitions for Norwich and the wider East Anglia market. We’re here to build lasting relationships and support the people and organisations driving the region forward.”