Exceptional year for family law specialist
Commitment to social justice and focus on people combine to drive successful growth
South West family law specialist The Family Law Company has announced an impressive year of growth for the 2020-21 financial year after responding effectively to 12 months dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Turnover increased by 10 per cent in the 12 months to July 31, with the firm striking a balance between implementing a refined business model with a continuing commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to high quality 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.
Managing Director, Norman Hartnell 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.”
He added that he is confident that the combination of 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 UK's most experienced and talented family lawyers and our talent pool continues to expand with 39 per cent growth over the past year.”
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. 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 per cent of clients confirm that 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.
“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.
“It gives me great pleasure that the company and many individuals have been recognised in numerous legal and business awards.”
