The West Country: Foot Anstey, Bond Pearce LLP, Ashfords and Stephens & Scown all have offices in Exeter and Plymouth, and are all well respected for their corporate advice to the SME sector. Of these, only Stephens & Scown has a significant presence in Cornwall. Exeter-based Michelmores has an excellent reputation for its commercial property practice, disputes, high-value government projects and SME corporate work. In 2004 the firm opened a London office, which forms an important part of its plan to double in size in five years.
Following its demerger from what is now Bevan Brittan LLP, Ashfords has opened a small office in Bristol. In May 2005 Foot Anstey (previously Foot Anstey Sargent) merged with Somerset-based firm Alms & Young, adding another six partners to the practice.
(C)Legal 500
For legal jobs in the South West visit:
Simply Law Jobs
Monday, July 17, 2006
Legal 500 Review of M4 Corridor and Gloucestershire
M4 Corridor and Gloucestershire: Bath, Swindon and Cheltenham are the three main centres of legal excellence in this region. Despite the town's proximity to Bristol firms, firms in Bath find themselves more often competing with firms further east, in Reading and Birmingham. Thring Townsend and Withy King both have offices in Swindon. In addition to an excellent reputation for work for the SME business community, Thring Townsend is also highly regarded for high-value, innovative family work, its planning and environmental expertise, agriculture and estates, and a solid employment practice. Withy King meanwhile has a good reputation for its commercial practice, and for corporate transactions in the £1m-£5m range. In 2004, the firm merged with leading national horseracing and bloodstock firm Chalk Smith Brooks, and has also made great strides in building its employment practice, and winning high-value accommodation PFI work. Liquor licensing expert Nigel Musgrove joined from Thring Townsend, and the firm's divorce, estates, and clinical negligence and personal injury practices are also genuine strengths.
The Cheltenham office of Charles Russell has an excellent reputation for competition advice, litigation, and high-end private client work, and Maitland Walker stands out for its niche expertise in competition law, litigation and licensing.
Wiggin LLP has a truly national media and technology practice, with expertise in outsourcing, defamation, media-related litigation, and cutting-edge work on broadcast platforms and content. The firm's background in pay-for-view broadcasting has given it an edge with the rapid expansion of digital and 3G technology.
BPE has grown, clients say, with remarkable success. Corporate, property, personal injury, and financial services are all areas of strength for the firm.
Clark Holt is widely recognised for its good corporate advice and its work on IT outsourcing contracts, while Rickerbys Solicitors has some highly regarded niche practices, including schools and charities, private client, and advice to a loyal group of SME business clients.
(C) Legal 500
For Legal Jobs in the South West Visit
Simply Law Jobs
The Cheltenham office of Charles Russell has an excellent reputation for competition advice, litigation, and high-end private client work, and Maitland Walker stands out for its niche expertise in competition law, litigation and licensing.
Wiggin LLP has a truly national media and technology practice, with expertise in outsourcing, defamation, media-related litigation, and cutting-edge work on broadcast platforms and content. The firm's background in pay-for-view broadcasting has given it an edge with the rapid expansion of digital and 3G technology.
BPE has grown, clients say, with remarkable success. Corporate, property, personal injury, and financial services are all areas of strength for the firm.
Clark Holt is widely recognised for its good corporate advice and its work on IT outsourcing contracts, while Rickerbys Solicitors has some highly regarded niche practices, including schools and charities, private client, and advice to a loyal group of SME business clients.
(C) Legal 500
For Legal Jobs in the South West Visit
Simply Law Jobs
Legal 500 Review of Dorset and South Wiltshire
Dorset and South Wiltshire: Lester Aldridge is the area's largest full-service commercial firm. Bournemouth is the hub, but its expansion efforts are focused on its other offices, in Southampton, London and Milton Keynes. In 2005 the firm claimed 43rd spot in The Sunday Times' '100 Best Places to Work' list.
Steele Raymond LLP, also in Bournemouth, has an excellent reputation among a loyal local client base, and boasts a reach that goes much further in its work for national retailers. Its strongest practices are property, litigation, commercial, and, as a rare niche, dog law.
Salisbury firm Wilsons has an excellent reputation for private client and estates work.
Simply Law Jobs
Steele Raymond LLP, also in Bournemouth, has an excellent reputation among a loyal local client base, and boasts a reach that goes much further in its work for national retailers. Its strongest practices are property, litigation, commercial, and, as a rare niche, dog law.
Salisbury firm Wilsons has an excellent reputation for private client and estates work.
Legal 500 review of Bristol
Bristol: Osborne Clarke and Burges Salmon LLP remain the region's dominant forces in many practice areas. Historically, Osborne Clarke focused on serving a hi-tech and entrepreneurial client base, and as a result clearly led the market in corporate, IT and IP work, whereas Burges Salmon LLP drew on a more traditional client base that included numerous plcs and notable transport sector and private clients. Today, while retaining their traditional strengths, both firms have made great strides in broadening their client base and adding to the range of services which they offer to clients.
TLT Solicitors continues to go from strength to strength. The winner of the 2004 Legal Business 'Regional Law Firm of the Year' award has re-elected sound strategist David Pester for a second three-year term, and over the past year has attracted good lateral hires to the Bristol office. The firm's status as Bristol's third corporate finance practice remains unchallenged, and its 'pub-co' practice has been a phenomenal success. The acquisition of a London office, through its merger with 11-partner firm Lawrence Jones is a bold move, though not one that has bet the bank. The merger has added to TLT Solicitors' strength in depth for finance, shipping, corporate and pensions work.
Veale Wasbrough Lawyers is a full-service firm whose business plan is wedded to its commitment to its South West commercial clients. The firm can also point to a truly national independent schools practice, and a good reputation for projects work and litigation. Managing partner Simon Pizzey offers able and focused leadership for the firm.
Bevan Ashford in late 2004 formally demerged what were already separate profit centres, to become Bevan Brittan LLP and Ashfords. The Bevan Brittan LLP element grew its reputation on a thriving public sector practice, acting for the sponsor on numerous PFI projects, and acting as a full-service provider for the complex needs of health trusts. But its client base is now broader than ever, and many of its projects-related practices now act for a higher proportion of private sector contractors. The demerger was judged to be a smooth one, with only one Bristol partner opting to join Ashfords. Ashfords has now opened a Bristol office, though it remains to be seen how heavy an investment the Exeter-based firm is prepared to make.
Clarke Willmott can look back at its decision to open in Bristol with some satisfaction. The firm has placed its Bristol office at the centre of its business-focused growth plans - plans that have seen it outgrow two offices in five years. Particular areas of excellence include the firm's sports and property practices, and some excellent litigation work, including fraud and asset tracing cases. Its partners describe the Bristol office as serving mostly 'institutions' and the Taunton office, with its conveyancing and personal injury practices, as serving 'people'. Its family law department is also excellent.
The work of Beachcroft Wansbroughs' Bristol office has been an important part of the firm's stated intention of building outwards from its traditional focus on the insurance industry. In PFI/PPP, TMT, property, environmental and planning, the firm's actual instructions are well ahead of its market reputation.
In the recent past Laytons has lost a number of well-regarded partners to other Bristol firms and retirement. Managing partner Louise Brown joined Clarke Willmott, Perran Jervis and three assistants joined TLT Solicitors, Anita Coaster is now a consultant, with two other well-regarded partners leaving in the preceding few years. Clearly the firm needs to recruit to maintain a viable presence in the city. In that task, highly experienced managing partner Tony Harris will be helped by a statement by the national Laytons partnership that it will maintain and invest in the Bristol office, and by the store of goodwill the firm has built up among a good and historically loyal client base. Even during this period of uncertainty, the firm can point to client wins.
Good niche outfits in Bristol include medical negligence and personal injury firm Barcan Woodward, personal injury firm Burroughs Day, criminal law specialists Bobbetts Mackan, unions firms Russell Jones & Walker and Thompsons, and Bevans, which has established a good practice acting for senior management and advising on claims against clients of the financial services industry.
For legal jobs in Bristol visit:
Simply Law Jobs
(C)Legal 500
TLT Solicitors continues to go from strength to strength. The winner of the 2004 Legal Business 'Regional Law Firm of the Year' award has re-elected sound strategist David Pester for a second three-year term, and over the past year has attracted good lateral hires to the Bristol office. The firm's status as Bristol's third corporate finance practice remains unchallenged, and its 'pub-co' practice has been a phenomenal success. The acquisition of a London office, through its merger with 11-partner firm Lawrence Jones is a bold move, though not one that has bet the bank. The merger has added to TLT Solicitors' strength in depth for finance, shipping, corporate and pensions work.
Veale Wasbrough Lawyers is a full-service firm whose business plan is wedded to its commitment to its South West commercial clients. The firm can also point to a truly national independent schools practice, and a good reputation for projects work and litigation. Managing partner Simon Pizzey offers able and focused leadership for the firm.
Bevan Ashford in late 2004 formally demerged what were already separate profit centres, to become Bevan Brittan LLP and Ashfords. The Bevan Brittan LLP element grew its reputation on a thriving public sector practice, acting for the sponsor on numerous PFI projects, and acting as a full-service provider for the complex needs of health trusts. But its client base is now broader than ever, and many of its projects-related practices now act for a higher proportion of private sector contractors. The demerger was judged to be a smooth one, with only one Bristol partner opting to join Ashfords. Ashfords has now opened a Bristol office, though it remains to be seen how heavy an investment the Exeter-based firm is prepared to make.
Clarke Willmott can look back at its decision to open in Bristol with some satisfaction. The firm has placed its Bristol office at the centre of its business-focused growth plans - plans that have seen it outgrow two offices in five years. Particular areas of excellence include the firm's sports and property practices, and some excellent litigation work, including fraud and asset tracing cases. Its partners describe the Bristol office as serving mostly 'institutions' and the Taunton office, with its conveyancing and personal injury practices, as serving 'people'. Its family law department is also excellent.
The work of Beachcroft Wansbroughs' Bristol office has been an important part of the firm's stated intention of building outwards from its traditional focus on the insurance industry. In PFI/PPP, TMT, property, environmental and planning, the firm's actual instructions are well ahead of its market reputation.
In the recent past Laytons has lost a number of well-regarded partners to other Bristol firms and retirement. Managing partner Louise Brown joined Clarke Willmott, Perran Jervis and three assistants joined TLT Solicitors, Anita Coaster is now a consultant, with two other well-regarded partners leaving in the preceding few years. Clearly the firm needs to recruit to maintain a viable presence in the city. In that task, highly experienced managing partner Tony Harris will be helped by a statement by the national Laytons partnership that it will maintain and invest in the Bristol office, and by the store of goodwill the firm has built up among a good and historically loyal client base. Even during this period of uncertainty, the firm can point to client wins.
Good niche outfits in Bristol include medical negligence and personal injury firm Barcan Woodward, personal injury firm Burroughs Day, criminal law specialists Bobbetts Mackan, unions firms Russell Jones & Walker and Thompsons, and Bevans, which has established a good practice acting for senior management and advising on claims against clients of the financial services industry.
For legal jobs in Bristol visit:
(C)Legal 500
South West Courts
District Registries of the High Court
Bristol
County Courts
Barnstaple
Bath
Bodmin
Bournemouth
Bristol
Exeter Combined Court Centre
Penzance
Plymouth Combined Court
Poole
Portsmouth Combined Court Centre
Redditch
Taunton
Torquay and Newton Abbot
Trowbridge
Truro Combined Court Centre
Weston-Super-Mare
Weymouth and Dorchester Combined Court Centre
Yeovil
Crown Courts
Bristol
Chester
Chichester Combined Court Centre
Exeter Combined Court Centre
Plymouth Combined Court
Portsmouth Combined Court Centre
Salisbury
Swindon Combined Court
Taunton
Truro Combined Court Centre
Magistrates' Courts
Barnstaple
Bath
Bodmin
Bournemouth
Bristol
Exeter Combined Court Centre
Penzance
Plymouth Combined Court
Poole
Portsmouth Combined Court Centre
Redditch
Taunton
Torquay and Newton Abbot
Trowbridge
Truro Combined Court Centre
Weston-Super-Mare
Weymouth and Dorchester Combined Court Centre
Yeovil
Bristol
County Courts
Barnstaple
Bath
Bodmin
Bournemouth
Bristol
Exeter Combined Court Centre
Penzance
Plymouth Combined Court
Poole
Portsmouth Combined Court Centre
Redditch
Taunton
Torquay and Newton Abbot
Trowbridge
Truro Combined Court Centre
Weston-Super-Mare
Weymouth and Dorchester Combined Court Centre
Yeovil
Crown Courts
Bristol
Chester
Chichester Combined Court Centre
Exeter Combined Court Centre
Plymouth Combined Court
Portsmouth Combined Court Centre
Salisbury
Swindon Combined Court
Taunton
Truro Combined Court Centre
Magistrates' Courts
Barnstaple
Bath
Bodmin
Bournemouth
Bristol
Exeter Combined Court Centre
Penzance
Plymouth Combined Court
Poole
Portsmouth Combined Court Centre
Redditch
Taunton
Torquay and Newton Abbot
Trowbridge
Truro Combined Court Centre
Weston-Super-Mare
Weymouth and Dorchester Combined Court Centre
Yeovil
South West Legal Recruitment Firms
Are you looking for a legal/law job in the South West of England.
Here is a list of some of the regions best legal recruitment firms:
Carpe Diem Legal LLP was founded by two Legal Recruiters, Caroline Evans and Deborah Saw, both of whom have worked for many years for well known national Recruitment Consultancies. Carpe Diem Legal was conceived from the Partners’ realisation that, by having direct control of the way things are done, they can offer a higher level of service to candidates and clients alike. They have deliberately steered away from quotas, targets and commission based earnings. ''We are thrilled every time one of our candidates successfully obtains a job offer. If we weren't we don't feel that we could provide the level of service we do with such enthusiasm or commitment. Our high ''match'' rate is as a result of our listening skills and knowledge of our market. We can provide advice on the firms which are recruiting, the areas which they are recruiting in and the type of people they employ. We can tell you about their attitudes on career development and progression and the benefits and working environment they offer.''
Legal & Executive People - is more commonly known as Legal People. A specialist legal recruitment consultancy based in Cardiff with the capability to service clients nationally throughout England & Wales, predominantly servicing Wales and the South West and surrounding areas including Cardiff, Newport, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly Borough, North and West Wales, Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Swindon, Birmingham (not an exhaustive list). Consultants have between 1 - 6 years experience of Legal Recruitment. Consultants have Legal or related professional backgrounds and qualifications – including: LLB, BSc, Legal Executive / ILEX, HR, CIPD. Legal People’s candidates include:
South West Legal Recruitment is in contact with private practice across the south and south west of England. Trained legal professionals find you the right job. ''As a smaller agency, many lawyers approach us due to our ability to 'tread carefully' and because they are treated as individuals. Referrals are still our major source of business
TORS - Established in 1995, TORS is now the leading specialist legal recruitment agency in the South West of England. TORS provide fee earning staff for Private Practice including Solicitors, Partners, Legal Executives, FILEX, ILEX, Trainee Solicitors, Paralegals, Legal Executives, and Locum’s. They also provide support staff including Legal Secretaries, Legal Cashiers, Receptionists and Law Cost Draftsmen on a temporary and permanent basis.
For a selection of vacancies from these firms and more in the South West visit:
Simply Law Jobs
Here is a list of some of the regions best legal recruitment firms:
Carpe Diem Legal LLP was founded by two Legal Recruiters, Caroline Evans and Deborah Saw, both of whom have worked for many years for well known national Recruitment Consultancies. Carpe Diem Legal was conceived from the Partners’ realisation that, by having direct control of the way things are done, they can offer a higher level of service to candidates and clients alike. They have deliberately steered away from quotas, targets and commission based earnings. ''We are thrilled every time one of our candidates successfully obtains a job offer. If we weren't we don't feel that we could provide the level of service we do with such enthusiasm or commitment. Our high ''match'' rate is as a result of our listening skills and knowledge of our market. We can provide advice on the firms which are recruiting, the areas which they are recruiting in and the type of people they employ. We can tell you about their attitudes on career development and progression and the benefits and working environment they offer.''
Legal & Executive People - is more commonly known as Legal People. A specialist legal recruitment consultancy based in Cardiff with the capability to service clients nationally throughout England & Wales, predominantly servicing Wales and the South West and surrounding areas including Cardiff, Newport, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly Borough, North and West Wales, Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Swindon, Birmingham (not an exhaustive list). Consultants have between 1 - 6 years experience of Legal Recruitment. Consultants have Legal or related professional backgrounds and qualifications – including: LLB, BSc, Legal Executive / ILEX, HR, CIPD. Legal People’s candidates include:
South West Legal Recruitment is in contact with private practice across the south and south west of England. Trained legal professionals find you the right job. ''As a smaller agency, many lawyers approach us due to our ability to 'tread carefully' and because they are treated as individuals. Referrals are still our major source of business
TORS - Established in 1995, TORS is now the leading specialist legal recruitment agency in the South West of England. TORS provide fee earning staff for Private Practice including Solicitors, Partners, Legal Executives, FILEX, ILEX, Trainee Solicitors, Paralegals, Legal Executives, and Locum’s. They also provide support staff including Legal Secretaries, Legal Cashiers, Receptionists and Law Cost Draftsmen on a temporary and permanent basis.
For a selection of vacancies from these firms and more in the South West visit:
ILEX Summer Ball
The annual Bristol Bath and surrounds ILEX summer ball was held in The Mariott Hotel in Bristol on June the 9th 2006.
It was a great night out.
This years chosen Charity was:
CHILDRENS HOSPICE SOUTH WEST
Terminally-ill children are currently cared for by Childrens Hospice South West at Little Bridge House, Fremington, Devon. Two hundred youngsters and their families go there each year, many from Bristol, Bath and Somerset. There is a shortage of places and a new hospice is now planned for North Somerset. Plans have just been approved for a £15 Million hospice to be built at Charlton Farm, Wraxall. Jill Farwell, Executive Director of Childrens Hospice South West, said "This new site will offer our families the tranquility, privacy and home-from-home environment they desperately need". The charity now faces the daunting task of raising the necessary funds to get the hospice up and running.
For more information
Babes Big Appeal
It was a great night out.
This years chosen Charity was:
CHILDRENS HOSPICE SOUTH WEST
Terminally-ill children are currently cared for by Childrens Hospice South West at Little Bridge House, Fremington, Devon. Two hundred youngsters and their families go there each year, many from Bristol, Bath and Somerset. There is a shortage of places and a new hospice is now planned for North Somerset. Plans have just been approved for a £15 Million hospice to be built at Charlton Farm, Wraxall. Jill Farwell, Executive Director of Childrens Hospice South West, said "This new site will offer our families the tranquility, privacy and home-from-home environment they desperately need". The charity now faces the daunting task of raising the necessary funds to get the hospice up and running.
For more information
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