Law firm expands in Leicester and targets 20 offices

Law firm Edward Hands and Lewis (EHL) has become the first business to move into the former HMRC office building on St Margaret’s Way, Leicester.

City Gate House is now home to EHL’s new commercial division EHL Commercial Law. With 7,000 sq ft of space over one and a half floors, the building was let to the solicitors’ firm by commercial property agent Innes England acting with joint agent JLL.

EHL, which has taken a five-year lease, has invested £150,000 on re-fitting the building to include gym and break-out areas for its staff.

Currently, 15 fee earners are based at the new premises but EHL is aiming to double this number to 30 over the next 12 to 18 months.

Rik Pancholi, head of EHL commercial law, said City Gate House was the ideal site for EHL’s commercial activities.

He said: “EHL has been acting for clients in Leicestershire since 1897 so it seemed fitting that our first dedicated commercial office should be in the city.

“City Gate House is conveniently situated for our staff, clients and visitors. It also has excellent on-site parking, which is difficult to find in the city centre.

“As a firm which is experiencing rapid growth, we are committed to providing the best possible working environment for our staff and continue to make this company one of the best businesses to work for.”

EHL which has offices in London, the Wirral, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire as well as across Leicestershire currently employs 150 people. The firm says it intends to expand to approximately 20 branches by the end of 2016.

Jenny Clarke, associate director at Innes England’s Leicester office, said: “City Gate House meets EHL’s brief perfectly. It is in a prime location in Leicester city centre close to Highcross and with excellent transport links. It also has the major advantage of on-site parking for about 30 vehicles.”