Pickerings named Local Law Firm of the Year

TAMWORTH based Pickerings Solicitors has been named Local Law Firm of the Year at the 360 Legal Group national conference and awards dinner.

Judges bestowed the award in recognition of the firm’s knowledge and service delivery. The award was presented during a ceremony at The Belfry Hotel.

The firm said it had invested considerable time and effort in identifying, engaging and enhancing existing relationships within its community. It has recently been awarded Lexcel and CQS accreditation.

Presenting the award, Viv Williams, chief executive of 360 Legal Group, said: “This firm has demonstrated how caring for local people from all backgrounds and all types of local businesses has been a key to success”.

Sue Hatton, business manager at Pickerings, said: “Our team is delighted to receive this award, which acknowledges our long-term commitment to providing quality legal advice in an accessible local setting.”

Waldrons secures Law Society conveyancing status

WALDRONS has secured membership to the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme. The firm, which has offices in Walsall, Merry Hill, Dudley, Tipton, Kingswinford and Worcester, underwent rigorous assessment by the society in order to secure CQS status, which recognises its standards in the residential conveyancing process.

Law Society president John Wotton said: “CQS improves efficiency with common, consistent standards and service levels and enables consumers to recognise practices that provide a quality residential conveyancing service.”

Belinda Hill, associate and head of residential conveyancing at Waldrons, said: “Waldrons is delighted to have secured CQS status. It is recognition of the high standards we provide to our residential property clients and is a signal to future home buyers of the excellent service level we provide at what is often a stressful time for many people.”

The scheme requires legal practices to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self reporting, random audits and annual reviews in order to maintain CQS status. 

Wright Hassall lawyer acts for theatre trust

A MIDLAND lawyer has played a starring role in the revival of an historic Coventry theatre.

The Butts Theatre was closed in January 2009 to make way for the Earlsdon Park development but is set to re-open at the end of this year following the efforts of the local community led by the Albany Theatre Trust.

Since its inception in July 2010, the trust has managed the assets of the theatre, raised funds for its refurbishment and co-ordinated the work of more than 50 advisers and associates.

Helping this process has been John Rouse, a solicitor at Leamington-based Wright Hassall, who has a keen interest in amateur dramatics.

Rouse has donated his time to advise on various legal matters, which has allowed the trust to manage its limited resources in the most cost-effective way.

Pictured from left, are: John Rouse, of Wright Hassall with Diana Dodd, Jonathan Howes and David Meridith from Albany Theatre Trust.