Defence lawyer Nick Freeman topped the rankings for the solicitor most frequently mentioned in the national press over the last year, according to figures compiled by Sweet & Maxwell.

Freeman (pictured), founder of Manchester firm Freeman & Co and known as ‘Mr Loophole’, was the most high-profile solicitor, featuring in 120 UK national press articles between July 2009 and June 2010.

He has gained a reputation for representing celebrities charged with driving offences. Clients have included Jimmy Carr, David Beckham and Jeremy Clarkson.

Bruce Buck, partner and head of European practice at US firm Skadden and chairman of Chelsea FC, was second in the list, with 87 mentions; followed by Karen Todner, managing director at London firm Kaim Todner, with 67 mentions. She represented Gary McKinnon, the British hacker whom the US is trying to extradite.

Other solicitors in the top ten were Giovanni di Stefano, Fiona Shackleton, Mark Stephens, Julian Young, Phil Shiner, Stefan Cross and Martyn Day.

Michael Mansfield QC was the most frequently mentioned barrister, due to his work representing a number of clients in the Bloody Sunday inquiry. He was referred to in 126 articles.

Lord Saville, chair of the Bloody Sunday inquiry, topped the list of judges, with 412 mentions.