QualitySolicitors Talbots goes for growth with two new partners

INDEPENDENT law firm QualitySolicitors Talbots is looking to build on a strong first quarter with two new appointments to its management board.

The firm, which employs 170 people across seven regional offices, has promoted James Gwilliams and Louise Jones to director level following their acquisition of share capital in the business.

The duo share more than 25 years experience in conveyancing and family law and have been at the forefront of new legal developments in their respective sectors.

They will play a major role in capitalising on growth across the firm’s private and business department, with the company looking to achieve £10m turnover by the end of 2016.

Martyn Morgan, director at QualitySolicitors Talbots, said: “Promoting our best people has always been a key policy of ours and I’m delighted to welcome Louise and James as shareholders and to the Management Board at what is an extremely exciting time for us.

“They both share a desire to put the client first and be transparent with fees and remove jargon that has plagued the profession for many years. This is the way we like to do business and I believe we now have the team in place to work with even more local businesses and individuals.”

He continued: “The first three months of 2015 have been really good for us, showing 12% growth on the comparative quarter last year. Property is looking especially strong and we have been named in the top 20 firms in the UK in terms of completions.”

In March alone, the firm took on more than 800 new conveyancing instructions.

Gwilliams, a specialist in residential conveyancing and part time lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton, has been at QualitySolicitors Talbots since 2004 and is currently head of three of the company’s property teams.

He will be responsible for implementing new services for clients and in exploring new opportunities for the firm to expand its national coverage.

“We’ve made a number of key appointments that will strengthen our ability to handle more residential and commercial property cases,” he said.

“As the economy continues to improve, we are well placed with our structure, strong branding and use of technology. This approach will be crucial in supporting the advent of Veyo, which will sort out the major players from those who do a small amount of conveyancing here and there.”

QualitySolicitors Talbots has been in the West Midlands since 1828 and currently has offices in Codsall, Dudley, Halesowen, Kidderminster, Stourbridge, Stourport and Wolverhampton.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys boosts education offering with new appointment

HARRISON Clark Rickerbys has appointed Philip Heath (left) as partner to specialise in advice to the education and charity sectors.

Based at the firm’s Cheltenham office, he is also a member of the Charity Law Association and as a commercial law specialist will lead on contract negotiation, drafting and governance matters – particularly relating to academies and free schools, including MATs, partnering arrangements, outsourcing and joint ventures covering primary, secondary and special school projects.
 
Robert Capper, partner and Head of Commercial Department at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, said; “We are delighted to announce Philip’s appointment – he is an invaluable addition to our team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys. His professional as well as personal involvement in both the education and charity sectors speaks for itself. This in-depth knowledge and all-round experience will undoubtedly be of as much benefit to the team as to our clients.”

Browne Jacobson strengthens clinical negligence team in Birmingham

BROWNE Jacobson has appointed Jonathan Fuggle as a partner in its Birmingham clinical negligence team.

Previously an associate with Bevan Brittan in Birmingham, Fuggle (left) has more than 10 years’ experience in handling clinical negligence claims on behalf of the National Health Service Litigation Authority. He specialises in high end claims with particular expertise in neurological, obstetric and gynecological matters.

Simon Tait, head of health law at Browne Jacobson, said: “We are delighted that Jonathan has come on board in Birmingham. His experience and skills in handling complex, high value claims for the NHS Litigation Authority makes his appointment an excellent addition to the team and will further add to our reputation in this area. His appointment signals our intention to continue providing our clients with a high quality offering.”