Legal news: 10 not out for Jepson Holt; Blackstone on the march & more
LEGAL consultancy Jepson Holt has celebrated 10 years in business with a new management team and logo.
Launched in Manchester by former law firm managing partner Philip Jepson and now with offices in London and Nottingham, Jepson Holt has 12 staff and advises firms on people hires and also strategic moves such as mergers and acquisitions.
In its 10 years Jepson Holt has helped to place 233 people into senior roles within the industry, been instructed on 131 retained searches for law firms and provided consultancy expertise on 30 merger and acquisition projects, including the Linder Myers rescue deal with Assure Law in March 2014 and the recent acquisition of Yorkshire firm Simpson Millar by Chorley-based debt management firm Fairpoint.
Chairman Mr Jepson said: “The period that we are in now is a hugely exciting one for both us and law firms who are willing to change and grow with the industry. Emerging from the market crisis of 2008, there is a real opportunity for those firms who embrace the new market conditions. We see huge opportunity for boutique firms who can target their offering well, while some more traditional, larger firms may struggle against new entrants to the market.
“For many firms who have traditionally grown through lateral hires, mergers and acquisitions may become more popular options. We also expect to continue to see the diversification of roles and responsibilities within law firms, with outsourcing increasingly common, whilst technology will continue to develop the client experience.”
The firm has appointed experienced recruitment consultant Matthew Draper as managing director.
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AMBITIOUS law firm Blackstone Solicitors has added a second string to its bow with the launch of a property department.
The award winning commercial litigation practice based in Hale, south Manchester, announced the move at fourth birthday party for clients and contacts last week. More than 100 guests included the leader of Trafford Council, Cllr Sean Anstee.
Founder and managing director Emma Nawaz said: “The evening allowed our team the opportunity to meet so many clients, both current and potential and to really highlight the range of services that we offer.
“The focus for our practice is commercial litigation and the launch of our new property section allows us to now expand the business further. “
Angela Bhaseen will lead the new property team at Blackstone and joins the firm from national firm DWF in Manchester. Meanwhile Daniel Thomas, who has been with Blackstone for two years, and has been promoted to partner.
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LAURA Harper and Karen Procter, partners at Shoosmiths in Manchester, are heading to Washington DC as part of a delegation of North West business people to sell the region to US companies.
The pair are among a delegation engaging with more than 60 US finance technology companies looking to bring new banking, payment and finance technology to the UK.
The trip has been put together by Manchester’s inward investment agency, MIDAS, the UKTI Washington Metro group and Shoosmiths.
Laura Harper said: “We work closely with businesses in the sector so we are delighted to be a part of this delegation. MediaCity and the BBC’s arrival in Greater Manchester has catalysed the rate at which tech, content and creative media companies are setting up operations in the city.
“Investment in the physical and digital infrastructure has led Manchester to be identified as an emerging tech ‘supercity’. Active grassroots tech communities and hubs such as Manchester Science Park, the Sharp Project, and Innospace, Manchester Metropolitan University’s incubator, provide an environment where barriers to business are reduced so tech businesses can thrive.
“The specialist business support offered in the city is excellent. All of this makes Manchester an attractive alternative to London for tech companies.”
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ADDLESHAW Goddard has won the Newcomer of the Year award in the Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Staffordshire finals of the National Apprenticeship Awards.
The firm launched its legal apprenticeship scheme in 2013 and has recruited 10 young people to its transaction services team in September 2013.
As a regional winner, Addleshaw Goddard has also been shortlisted for the National awards, which take place in November.
Mike Potter, head of the transaction services team said: “As a firm, we are passionate about providing a differentiated approach to attracting, retaining and developing great people in the UK and across our international offices.
“Apprentices provide a whole new talent pool for the future and allow us to be more experimental and agile when responding to client needs. They bring new commitment and energy, whilst offering a more efficient way of delivering elements of our legal services, particularly in large transactions and complex cases. They also enable us to broaden our community connections and bring an increased focus on learning and development and career progression.”
