A Plymouth law firm is expanding and moving into larger premises - in the same building where it is currently based.
The Family Law Company has relocated to a new office within the Princess Court building in the city centre, which provides a solution for the longer term growth ambitions of the business.
The company said Princess Court’s location is exceedingly practical, being central and close to the courts in the heart of the city’s financial and legal district.
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The move to the third floor suite means the company is now housed on a single floor - at 4,400sq ft it provides 46% more space than the previous offices which were split between two floors.
Four rooms are dedicated for client meetings providing even higher levels of confidentiality and discretion than before, whilst a sizable boardroom provides a private area for meetings with colleagues and associates.
The large, open-plan office area provides plenty of flexible working options with space to grow as the company grows. This setup also facilitates the new hybrid style of working that has become common during the pandemic; a mix of home and office working.
Director Jonathan Madge said: “The Family Law Company has been part of the city for over a decade and this is an important move for us in continuing our commitment to Plymouth as well as investing in our own people and looking after their wellbeing.
“The office is designed for the new working world we find ourselves in. We very much wanted it to be a destination office, somewhere where colleagues would want to spend time.
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“Our upgraded workspace provides greater opportunity for collaborative working as colleagues are now based together in a single office suite while the enhanced levels of privacy will encourage clients to feel safer than ever when visiting the office.”
The additional space also enhances opportunities for training, with the company dedicated to providing ongoing CPD (continuing professional development) for all team members.
In 2021 The Family Law Company, which also has offices in Exeter, is celebrating its 30th year as a family specialist. In Plymouth the multi-award-winning law firm employs 22 staff including lawyers, paralegals and support staff, and is currently recruiting for a range of roles.
Founded in Exeter by Norman Hartnell in October 1991, The Family Law Company was formerly known as Hartnell Chanot and Partners. It is now the largest firm of family lawyers in the South West, and represents clients outside of the region too. Its lawyers and legal executives cover divorce law, financial law, and sensitive cases, each year handling more than 2,000 cases.
The Family Law Company has seen a year of turnover and jobs growth after responding effectively to 12 months dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Turnover increased by 10% in the 12 months to July 31, 2021, with the firm striking a balance between implementing a refined business model with a continuing commitment to ensuring everyone has access to legal advice.
The increase in family cases during this period also led to the appointment of 14 additional support staff members to efficiently manage the increased workload - bringing the employee number to 86.
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It has also appointed four additional shareholders - with finance director Jennie Wise and experienced lawyers Fiona Wadey, Derek Jordan and Kirsty Thyer joining the existing eight shareholders - plus a new director to spearhead expansion into Cornwall. Succession planning is in place to ensure the next generation of family lawyers take the reins to guide the company forward.
There have also been numerous major award successes for the company lately including six category wins at the Devon and Somerset Law Society Awards, two at the National Paralegal Awards, plus the award for Excellence in Practice Management at the Law Society Awards.
The Family Law Company has also engendered a growing presence countrywide, commenting in national and legal press on family law issues with business development director Rachel Buckley named on the Citywealth Top 100 private client lawyers list.
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In its 30 year history, the company has shown ongoing support for charities, championing Citizens Advice Exeter, Force Cancer Charity and domestic abuse agencies Spitz and Safe. Senior associate solicitor Carrie Laws took part in the London Marathon to fundraise for Plymouth’s Trevi House which helps women in recovery and their families.
Ms Buckley said: “Our success in developing into one of the largest specialist family law companies in the country is down to a clear vision of ensuring access to high quality legal advice for all, and an unshakeable dedication to the wellbeing of our hardworking team members. We’re looking forward to seeing what the next 30 years bring.”