South West specialist solicitors’ practice 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.
It means the company will move its Plymouth team to a larger base, and it will grow its presence in Cornwall. It also has an office in Exeter.
Norman Hartnell, managing director, said: “As a result we have been able to fund substantial investments that support our ongoing aims to provide an ever better quality of service.
“Our Plymouth team will soon be moving to larger offices improving both the client experience and giving our teams a more flexible, enhanced workspace.
“At the same time The Family Law Company is developing a presence in Cornwall with the appointment of new director Lucy Theobald giving an ‘on the ground’ capacity in the far South West.
“Looking ahead, our strategic vision continues to focus on providing a consistently excellent service to all clients, ensuring equal access to legal aid and equal access to justice - not just in the South West but nationally.
“As many law firms reduce or close their family departments, we are underpinning our commitment by bringing new, young talent into the sector.”
Mr Hartnell said he is confident the combination of staff experience, dedication and passion gives the company an edge in its specialist sector and the ability to attract rising stars just coming into the profession.
“We believe we already have some of the Ƶ's most experienced and talented family lawyers and our talent pool continues to expand with 39 per cent growth over the past year,” he said.
Four new shareholders were promoted, with finance director Jennie Wise and experienced lawyers Fiona Wadey, Derek Jordan and Kirsty Thyer joining the existing eight shareholders.
Critical to the company’s success is the level of service provided, Mr Hartnell said. With a new client call team and innovative “first impressions” team in place to assist the management of enquiries, providing an outstanding client experience remains at the heart of the business.
The company’s Net Promoter score has seen 100% of clients confirm they would recommend the company as the family law firm of choice to their friends and family. This, and the results from mystery shopping are both above the national average.
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Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region.
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“This past year has been like no other and I would like to extend my personal thanks to all our team members - lawyers, support staff and admin staff - for the incredible levels of dedication they have shown, “ Mr Hartnell said. “It gives me great pleasure that the company and many individuals have been recognised in numerous legal and business awards.”
The Family Law Company was set up in 1991 and 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.
