Harbottle & Lewis

Harbottle & Lewis has always been a firm that does things differently. Established in the 1950s by Laurence Harbottle, an openly gay man and industry pioneer, the firm built its reputation by championing creativity, innovation and bold ideas. But as the legal landscape evolved, their brand failed to keep up. Their positioning lacked clarity, their messaging was inconsistent and their visual identity didn’t reflect their deep, relationship-driven approach. Their informal tagline, Doing interesting work for interesting people, needed a modern, strategic spin to reinforce their role as trusted advisers in high-stakes industries.

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Harbottle & Lewis needed more than a new look. They needed a digital presence that felt seamless, intuitive and aligned with their brand story. We designed and built a new website that simplifies navigation, enhances engagement and clearly communicates their expertise. Every touchpoint, from website content to branded templates and internal guidelines, was designed to bring consistency and impact across the firm.

With the brand strategy defined, we developed a fresh visual identity that balances heritage with modernity. The evolved monogram is bold yet refined, creating an instantly recognisable mark that speaks to stability and confidence. The typography (Domaine by Klim Type Foundry) combines authority with warmth, reinforcing the firm’s ability to handle high-profile, complex cases while remaining approachable and collaborative.

A flexible graphic system, inspired by the verticals of the monogram, creates a visual language that reflects structure and partnership. The colour palette is sophisticated yet distinctive, ensuring Harbottle & Lewis stands out in a competitive market. Sector-specific imagery strengthens the connection to their key industries, from entertainment and media to private capital and technology.

The transformation of Harbottle & Lewis goes beyond aesthetics. Their new brand captures who they are; straight-talking, collaborative and invested in their clients’ success. With a clear identity, a unified message and a bold new presence, they now stand apart from the competition while staying true to their roots.

They don’t just do interesting work for interesting people. They’re a different kind of law firm where expertise meets empathy, and every client is empowered.