Happy Birthday HIP ?

June 2008

As their first birthday approaches, the Government's controversial Home Information Packs (HIPs) have failed to improve the home-buying process and should no longer be compulsory.  Such is the claim this week made by former head of the Office of Fair Trading Sir Bryan Carsberg in his independent Carsberg Review into the residential property market.  The review claims that the packs offered the ‘worst of all worlds’, costing vendors around £350 yet failing to include the most useful information required.

The report examines the scope and extent of standards, regulation and redress in the property sector; considers the broad implications of the current structures for the property transaction itself and makes recommendations on future improvements to the system. The Carlsberg Review also called for HIPs to be made voluntary, and whilst property experts including lawyers, estate agents and surveyors and their regulatory bodies agree, the Government is standing firm in support of the HIP.

Commenting on these findings is Richard Watkins, a Partner with Thursfields Solicitors in Worcester.  “There is a general consensus that as the first anniversary of the HIP approaches on 1 August, the packs are not working as well as they could,” said Richard. 

“At Thursfields, we will continue to offer advice on the HIP and prepare them for sellers for as long as the regulations apply.  As a firm, our key advice to vendors is regarding the search element,” continues Richard Watkins.  “Some HIP providers will put a personal search into their HIP.  This can be wasted effort as there are still many lenders who will only accept an official Local Authority search.  Take your lawyer’s advice on this because otherwise you may find your transaction delayed when the buyer has to re-do the search.”

It remains to be seen if the Government will take up the recommendation to make the HIP voluntary, but in the meantime, in a tough housing market, it seems the HIP in its current format is not a selling point.

For further information on Thursfields Solicitors in Worcester, Kidderminster and Stourport, and the range of expert and friendly legal advice and services please call 01905 730 450 or visit www.thursfields.co.uk

Thursfields creates the largest criminal team in The Three Counties

June 2008

Top Worcestershire Law firm Thursfields Solicitors have expanded their criminal and regulatory department in Worcester City to create the largest single criminal team in The Three Counties.

The existing team of David Taylor, Mark Sheward, Sam Lamsdale and Anne Stuart has been joined by Partner Ruth Edwards and Assistant Solicitor Emma Smith – both previously based at Thursfields Office in Kidderminster.

This new look highly experienced team now includes two Partners, two Solicitor Advocates and five Duty Solicitors, making Thursfields the strongest Criminal Team in the region.

Head of Department David Taylor said:

 “ It is a pleasure to welcome our new colleagues to Worcester Office”.  Our focus on the busy Court and Police Station here at Worcester means that we will be able to offer an unrivalled service to our Clients.
Our Solicitor Advocates will be able to take on more cases in the Crown Court and we will be able to offer top quality advice to our private and business clients”

Thursfields are one of the largest legal practices in Worcestershire with 13 Partners and three offices in Worcester, Stourport on Severn and Kidderminster. Founded in 1883 the firm provides top quality practical legal advice to private individuals and businesses.

For further information please contact David Taylor on dtaylor@thursfields.co.uk or our Practice Manager Rachel Pardoe on rpardoe@ thursfields.co.uk

The Apprentice
Firing up the workplace
”Sir Alan will see you now.”  These are now infamous words uttered by Sir Alan Sugar’s secretary Frances on the BBC’s hit business reality show The Apprentice.  Now in its fourth series, the show continues to go from strength to strength, and as this issue of New Direction went to print one episode in the current season had just attracted 6.5 million viewers (26 per cent of the evening’s viewing audience between 9 and 10pm) with another wannabee Apprentice hearing those dreaded words ‘You’re fired!”
The show sets the challenge to the 10 potential Apprentices of being the best employee for recruitment to Sir Alan’s organisation, the one with the skills and attributes worthy of that six figure salary.  But away from the drama of Sir Alan’s Board Room, the issue is relevant across thousands of business in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.  What makes a good employee?   To get an insight into this, New Direction spoke to three local employers to find out what they look for in their ‘Apprentices’.
Nick O’Hara is Managing Partner at Thursfields Solicitors in Kidderminster, Worcester and Stourport and as such oversees some 120 employees including specialist solicitors and fee earners, secretaries and more.    In the legal industry, certain qualifications and experience may be a pre-requisite depending on the role, but other factors play an equally important part for Nick.  “The first impression the candidate makes on me is crucial: do they smile, make eye contact and appear approachable,” Nick says.  “There is a business reason for this; if I warm to them in the first 30 seconds, then the chances are so will our clients.  Our team needs to be accessible so that clients feel they can talk to them easily and trust their advice.  Their specialist legal skills will then complement their personality.  Professional expertise is imperative of course, but personality must reinforce that.”  Nick expands Thursfields’ philosophy further:  “Like other local employers we have invested considerably in developing our staff and part of that is giving them the motivation and confidence to achieve as part of a team.  Happy and motivated people will achieve more, so if we can help someone get 110 per cent from their job, it makes better business sense for us.  And it’s true that we look for ‘Apprentices’ with this sort of mind set when we are developing and expanding our team.”
Sebastian Parsons, CEO of Inkberrow based Elysia, Uk distributors of the globally renown Dr.Hauschka organic skincare brand is very much a ‘people’ person when it comes to recruitment.  Since he started the business in 1994, Sebastian has grown Elysia to the point where it now employs 48 people from its site at Stockwood Business Park.  His philosophy is about a ‘living business’, believing that a business will grow and flourish in much the same way as a human, given that the humans who ‘care’ for that business must nourish it.  That’s not necessarily how Sir Alan would put it, but the principal is one he’d surely agree with:  if you recruit and develop people who want to contribute genuinely to the development of the business as part of their own development and growth, then success comes more easily.  “We believe that our business is a living thing that we are growing and nurturing and which is an important part of our employees’ lives in terms of creating job and life satisfaction.  There is an open and friendly culture encouraged and fostered at Elysia, with heavy commitment to communication, training and development, equal opportunities and sustainable development.  The workforce at Elysia has confidence in the business; they understand the management philosophy of a business being ‘alive’ and growing and want to embody that, and that is a vital consideration for us in ‘the Board Room,’ Sebastian smiles.
So, is it really ‘personality’ all the way for employers then?  It’s looking that way.  Skills and experience are a given to get that first step into the Board Room but employers are choosing the candidates with the personality to help drive their business forward.  Agreeing with Nick and Sebastian on this front is Vivienne Hudson, Managing Director of hotelshop, the award winning Droitwich based UK hotel and short breaks specialist in the leisure and corporate market.  “hotelshop is about offering outstanding customer service - going the extra mile for our customers.  This means that my team needs not only to be able to offer the best available prices and show understanding of the industry, but that they need to have the ability and know-how about them to be pro-active in marketing hotels and short breaks to the consumer.  For Viv and her management team, this means that their recruitment process involves finding pro-active, team players with outgoing and confident personalities, and strong communication skills which will in turn then reinforce the skills on their CV.
What’s certainly clear for these local employers is that ‘more is more’ in the Board Room recruitment process.  Having a strong CV isn’t enough, personality will often clinch the deal for the job.  Is the message for Apprentices then, not ‘You’re fired’ but rather ‘get fired up!’

Would any of these business leaders who were once real life Apprentices win Sir Alan’s approval in the Board Room? 
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, or Stelios, as he prefers to be known, is Mr Easy. Most famous for his no-frills airline easyJet, the 40-year-old Greek is rolling out his distinctive orange brand in all directions, from hotels to watches. He has been widely credited with transforming the travel industry through easyJet, the budget airline he set up in 1995, with a helping hand from his shipping tycoon father. His numerous ventures including Stelmar Shipping, which he floated on the New York Stock Exchange in 2001.
Sir Richard Branson’s journey to billionairedom started with a mail-order record business in 1969. His unbounded ambition and keen eye for self-promotion have meant that there is hardly a national cause célèbre unconnected with Sir Richard. Most intriguing for this year, however, are his plans for Northern Rock. Sir Richard is vying with Luqman Arnold’s Olivant to take over the bank but there are big questions over whether either can raise the necessary finance.
Michael Grade is the cigar-chomping, red braces-wearing executive chairman of ITV. The son of Leslie Grade, the theatrical agent, and nephew of Lew Grade, one of commercial television’s founding fathers, he joined the Daily Mirror as a sports reporter in 1960 before working at the family’s theatrical agency. He joined LWT in 1973 as deputy controller of programmes (entertainment) and became director of programmes in 1976. After a stint in television in America, he became controller of BBC One in 1984. He took risks, including clearing the schedule for Bob Geldof’s Live Aid in 1985 and showing Neighbours at the later time of 5.35pm, a move that paid off. In 1988, he joined Channel 4 as chief executive. He became chairman of Camelot in 2002 before joining the BBC as its chairman in 2004. He was appointed at ITV last year.

Whistle while we work
It makes better business sense for employers to have happy staff.  Happier staff are likely to work harder and therefore achieve more.
According to the City and Guilds Happiness Index, a survey conducted to find out about UK job satisfaction levels, UK employees are reasonably satisfied with their jobs, giving themselves an average satisfaction score of 7.1 out of 10. However, according to the report, almost five million Brits admit to a touch of ergophobia (fear of work!).  In the light of that, what then are the factors that put a smile on our faces as we go to work? Nineteen per cent of us would like to do something worthwhile and almost one in six (15%) just want a more flexible workday. Of those surveyed, 8% said that training and development would make their role more satisfying.
www.elysia.biz
www.hotelshopuk.com

Thursfields launches new Employment Law Service

March 2007

Leading Worcestershire law firm Thursfields has recruited employment law solicitor, Michelle Chamberlain, from national law firm Eversheds to head up Thursfields new Employment Law Service. Advising on employment issues has increasingly become an important area for the Firm and Michelle joins Mark Pittaway, Partner, and Anne Stuart to develop further Thursfields expertise in this area.

Michelle has specialised in employment law since qualifying as a solicitor in 1999. She can advise on a wide range of employment law issues from tribunal complaints to redundancy programmes and business reorganisations. She has particular expertise in working time laws and maternity issues and is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.

Michelle commented: “Employment law is constantly changing.  Staying ahead of the game on employee issues is a demanding task for businesses.”

Thursfields now offers a dedicated Employment Law Service for a fixed quarterly charge, which will provide clients with up-to-date employment documentation and offer best practice advice when dealing with personnel issues in the workplace.

“Employers can be reluctant to seek early legal advice when problems do arise because of the uncertainty about how much it will cost. Our new Employment Law Service takes away this uncertainty and puts our clients back in control.”

Thursfields Employment Law Service package comprises of four essential elements. Firstly an employment audit, which is an initial check and update of the client’s employment contracts, policies and procedures; secondly a telephone helpline, where clients can simply pick up the phone and obtain advice on employment issues; thirdly a free subscription to a monthly newsletter, which will keep businesses informed about developments in HR and employment law and finally free attendance to an annual programme of training seminars, which aim to provide practical advice for employers on dealing with workplace issues.

The telephone helpline is a key feature of this new service. Michelle explains: “We recognise that when dealing with employee issues, businesses might not want formal written advice, they simply want to pick up the phone and ask a quick question, get a second opinion, or just check their plan of action is within the law. They also want certainty about the cost of seeking legal advice. Employers pay a fixed fee on a quarterly basis and can then phone as little or as often as they need to seek verbal advice on employment/HR issues.”
 
Stephen Wyer, Head of Thursfields Business Department commented that: “In addition to the Employment Law Service we can advise on any type of employment related matter regardless of the size or nature of the business. We are delighted to welcome Michelle to this firm and excited about the new employment services we can now offer to clients”.

For further details on Thursfields Employment Law Service or any of our services, please contact Michelle Chamberlain at Thursfields on 01562 512412 or email mchamberlain@thursfields.co.uk.

Put your trust in Thursfields
27 November 2006

Due to a surge in demand for more expertise in dealing with probate, tax and trusts Worcestershire’s leading law firm Thursfields have strengthened their ranks yet again and are pleased to announce that Michelle Green and Sarah Ingles have been made Associate Solicitors. Michelle Green based in the Worcester Office joined Thursfields in 2003 and Sarah Ingles based in the Kidderminster office joined Thursfields in 2005.

Steve Pitts, Head of Thursfields Probate, Tax and Trusts Department commented:

“I am pleased to welcome Michelle and Sarah as Associates of the firm. It shows the commitment from the firm to the work of our busy and expanding Department. Michelle and Sarah are part of a team of 8 Fee Earners.

This will go to strengthen the work that the Department can offer by way of Inheritance Tax planning, tax planning Wills, Administration of Estates and Probate, care for the elderly and Enduring Powers of Attorney.

We also have specialists in the area of Mental Health law including Court of Protection work. Luke Grant and I are external Panel Receivers of the Court of Protection.”

Steve warns that it is essential to seek the best legal advice when planning for the future:

“In a climate where personal and financial affairs are becoming increasingly more complex as a result of, for example, second marriages, owning property abroad or being involved in business, expert legal advice and planning are very important.  Planning as to how best to deal with these matters should be an essential part of everyone’s plans for the future”.

Thursfields Probate, Tax and Trusts Department offers the complete range of Legal services you would expect in a large city practice but locally. They have local offices in Worcester, Kidderminster and Stourport on Severn.

For more information please contact Steve Pitts, Head of Department, on 01562 820575.

Leading Worcestershire Law Firm Thursfields expands its Business Legal Department to 14 and continues to attract the best

September 2006

Chris Wright and Janet Humphries have recently joined Leading Worcestershire Law Firm Thursfields taking the number in the department to 14, making it one of the largest business legal practices in the Three Counties.

Chris, a former pupil of Kings School, has joined the Worcester Office as an Associate Solicitor moving from London Firm Bracher Rawlins where he was a partner. He has considerable experience in a wide range of corporate and commercial matters, including company and business acquisitions and disposals, private equity financing, software and technology licensing and agency and distribution agreements. In addition, Chris is a company secretary of a number of client companies and handles all types of company secretarial work from new share issues to share buy-backs.

Janet has joined the Kidderminster Office as an Associate Solicitor from Birmingham leading Firm The Wilkes Partnership where she was a Partner. Janet advises on a full range of transactional and company work of every description. In the past Janet worked for the Venture Capitalist 3i for eight years where she was responsible for providing legal advice and implementing 3i’s large and complex investment programme. She has also worked across a wide spectrum of commercial business matters working with owner managed businesses as well as successful entrepreneurs. Janet has spent some time in industry and therefore knows the importance of meeting client’s objectives within deadlines and to a budget.

Stephen Wyer Head of Thursfields Business Department commented that “We are delighted to be joined by Chris and Janet who bring important experience and expertise which will benefit all of our clients. Their appointment continues our policy of attracting the best talent to offer the best advice to our ever expanding client base”.

For more information contact Stephen Wyer Head of Business on 01905 730450

Top Divorce Solicitor joins Leading Worcester Law Firm Thursfields

September 2006

Thursfields Solicitors are proud to announce the appointment of leading Divorce Solicitor Lesley Wickers as an Associate. She joins the existing family team which includes Associate Susan Humes and Sarah Mason at the Firm’s Worcester Family Department.

Paul Gammon Head of Family Law at Thursfields commented: “Lesley is a particularly important addition to our Family Department. She has considerable experience in divorce cases where the issues are complex and assets have been very substantial often running into millions of pounds”

Most of Lesley’s clients are Directors and Professionals who need the best advice and guidance in order to reach equitable financial solutions. Lesley commented “a desirable outcome requires being tough but fair to reach a decision that both parties can live with”

Lesley has been a member of The Family Law Panel since 1998, The Advanced Family Law Panel since 2002 and a member of The Children Panel since 1993. She prides herself in putting children first in any dispute and is keen to resolve such matters amicably through negotiation or mediation.

With an eye to the future Lesley commented “In today’s modern world I am preparing co-habitation and prenuptial agreements. This is an area of work which I believe will grow and grow”.

For further information contact Paul Gammon Head of the Family Department on 01905 730450

Ruby celebrations for Thursfields solicitor
January 2006

Thursfields are this month celebrating a jewel within their midst, as solicitor Anita Underwood reaches her ruby anniversary of 40 years with the firm.

As a result of many years hard work and dedication Anita's role has developed tremendously during her 40 years working for leading Midlands based solicitors, making her one of the longest serving members of staff.

At the end of 1965 Anita left her previous role with law firm, McNaught and Simpson, to undertake the role as legal secretary at Thursfields.

In 1981 Anita studied for and passed her legal executive fellowship qualification with a distinction, whilst working full-time and caring for her two children.

After spending 24 years at the Kidderminster office, in 1989 Anita was transferred to the firm's Stourport base where she remains to date.

And in 1991, Anita again demonstrated her commitment to both the field of law and Thursfields, by passing her  solicitors finals - first time, whilst still maintaining full-time hours and devotion to her family.

She specialises in property and probate matters maintaining a large client base and advising on numerous property cases including a recent successful defence against the supermarket giant Sainsbury's.

Anita said, "I am very excited to have reached 40 years with Thursfields, the firm are excellent to work for and I am one of the very lucky people who enjoys getting up for work each day.

"The staff and partners I have worked with over the years have made the job all the more pleasurable, Thursfields has a very supportive and vibrant working environment.

Nick O'Hara, partner at Thursfields said, "Anita is a very committed and determined member of my team and she has a fantastic rapport with clients - she is an extremely valued solicitor and a real credit to our firm."

Bill Heaselgrave, senior partner at Thursfields said, "We are very proud to celebrate Anita's 40 year anniversary with the firm, her work and reputation speaks for itself and we hope to celebrate her golden anniversary with us in the not too distant future."

Thursfields defy the ageing process
December 2005

Leading Midlands based solicitors, Thursfields, have achieved the ultimate dream of successfully defying the ageing process.

The 15 partner-strong firm have, amongst their many other successes, now achieved the appearance of eternal youth despite being over 128 years old.

Their secret is the development of a brand new, youthful corporate image, whilst still maintaining the traditional values and work ethics that are synonymous with Thursfields.

The new image was unveiled on Friday 9th December at the official launch event held within the Whitehouse Hotel, Worcester.

The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Aubrey Tarbuck, Chief Superintendent of West Mercia Police, Simon Adams and Kevin Martin, the President of the Law Society were amongst some of the many high profile guests attending the event.

Guests were addressed by Bill Heaselgrave, the senior partner at Thursfields and enjoyed a gourmet buffet afterwards.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the prestigious Law Society Quality Mark, the Lexcel award.

After winning the award in August this year, it was decided that the formal presentation be reserved for this special occasion.

Bill Heaselgrave, senior partner at Thursfields, said, "We wanted to demonstrate just how far we developed as a firm and that we are equipped and ready to tackle the future head on.

"We wanted to create a brand that was instantly recognisable and reflected more accurately the firm's personality and achievements.

"Our launch event was a complete success and really gave us a chance to show off our fresh new look, we were honoured to have the Mayor, the President of the Law Society and the Chief Superintendent join us, the presentation of the Lexcel award really completed the celebration."

Kevin Martin, President of the Law Society, said " The Lexcel award is one of the most recognised quality mark's within the legal profession. It is renowned for its extremely high qualification requirements and it is a true example of Thursfields commitment to its clients.

"It was a pleasure to be invited along to the logo launch event, it is very refreshing to see how such an established firm have revitalised their image."

Thursfields successfully defend Olympia Homes against the might of Sainsbury’s

October 2005

In terms of big adversaries, they really don’t get much bigger than the national supermarket chain Sainsbury’s.

In a ‘David and Goliath’ style court battle over a piece of land, Stourport housing developers Olympia Homes, called on Worcestershire based Thursfields Solicitors, to help them take on one of the UK’s largest supermarket names.

Top property Barristers, John De Waal from St Phillips Chambers, Birmingham and Jonathan Gaunt Q.C. from Falcon Chambers in London were brought in to defend Olympia Homes alongside Nick O’Hara, partner at Thursfields solicitors.

The outcome, after a long drawn out trial, meant that Olympia achieved what can only be described as a very successful draw in the case against Sainsbury’s.

Olympia Homes purchased the area of land in question on 11th February 2004 and in December 2004 Sainsbury’s threatened legal action if part of the land was not transferred to allow contractors to occupy it.

The case centred on the rights to an old gas board site situated in the Matlock area of Derbyshire, initially bought by former local councillor, Alan Hughes

The site was critical for the development of a large housing estate, which included a Sainsbury’s Superstore.

The supermarket chain had entered into an agreement with Mr Hughes to take part of the land and allocate it to a roundabout needed to direct their flow of traffic and to occupy the remainder.

However, the sale of the land was never officially registered to Mr Hughes through the appropriate channels at the Land Registry.

The piece of land remained unregistered and Westpac Bank from this point on began to sell off certain assets belonging to Mr Hughes, which included this particular piece of land, in order to pay off his outstanding debts. 

Olympia Homes then purchased the land and from here on in they became involved in a convoluted legal battle to preserve their purchase.

Sainsbury’s disputed the ownership based on the contract that it had initially entered into with Mr Hughes – whereby a section of the land had been allocated for them, however the size had not been stated.

Following an 11-day trial over a five-month period pitched against an eight strong team from Addleshaw Goddard Solicitors and others, the judge presented a 60-page judgement giving Olympia Homes the settlement they had hoped for.

The judge ordered that costs be paid to both parties; Olympia Homes retained the rights to the site, and Sainsbury’s lost their ‘perceived’ entitlement to use any part of the land other than that allocated for their roundabout.

Mr Gary Key, managing director of Olympia homes said, “ After a long drawn out process we feel that we have finally got the result we deserved.

“We knew the pitfalls of taking on such a large company, however we remained determined and resolute, which is ultimately why we have achieved such a positive judgement.

“Thursfields have provided us with fantastic support and guidance throughout the trial and we are extremely grateful for all of their hard work and commitment.

“Nick O’Hara, Anita Underwood and his team were totally organised, prepared and professional. They represented their firm to the highest degree and helped us to obtain the result which we believe we deserved and which now enables us to proceed with a substantial property development.”

Nick O’Hara, partner at Thursfields Solicitors commented, “ We are absolutely thrilled with the results of the trial. All our hard work, preparation and determination has truly paid off.

“Despite the fact that my client had to pay a relatively small amount of costs to Sainsbury’s - our main aims from the case have most definitely been achieved.

“I have considerable respect for Gary Key, Mike Humphries and his team at Olympia Homes for the strength and conviction they showed in the face of such adversity against a national brand company.”

Thursfields open to eager minds

September 2005

Three eager-minded individuals have been given the prestigious opportunity to begin a two-year training contract with leading Worcestershire based solicitors, Thursfields.

This September, Sarah Cairns, Lisa Johnson and Tina Circus put their ambitions to the test and embarked upon a journey to become fully qualified solicitors, with the backing and support of Thursfields firmly behind them.

Closely supervised by an experienced Partner, trainees will spend the two years getting practical, hands on experience of providing legal solutions to clients.

Future solicitor, Lisa Johnson, joined the Stourport office of Thursfields in August 2004 as a Legal Secretary, whilst studying for her Legal Practice Course. “I enjoyed my initial role at the practice, so I was very keen to apply to Thursfields for a training contract to continue working here.”

After commencing part-time study to complete her Graduate Diploma in Law course, Tina Circus was appointed in 2002 by Thursfields, Kidderminster office in the role of Legal Secretary. Tina then enrolled with the Birmingham School of Law to begin her Legal Practice Course and also managed to secure a training contract within Thursfields.

Sarah Cairns is the odd one out of the group having not worked for Thursfields before commencing her training contract.

Sarah has been working at the Law Society for the last three years.  Prior to that she attended the University of Central England, 1998 – 2002, where she undertook a law degree and then completed a Legal Practise course.   She applied to Thursfields for a training contract following a recommendation from a colleague at the Law Society and is now training in the Thursfields Worcester office.

The Practice Manager at Thursfields commented on the appointments:  “The opportunity to gain a training contract for those graduates seeking to become solicitors is increasingly difficult and Thursfields is always being approached by applicants seeking training contracts.”
 
Thursfields normal protocol is to take on two trainees per year however this year we decided to take on these three applicants.

Bill Heaselgrave, Senior Partner at Thursfields, said, “Thursfields believes in helping all its staff to develop and grow to achieve their potential and so has a long standing ethos of providing training for trainee solicitors.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide opportunities for two existing members of staff as well as a completely new recruit to our team.

“Several of our partners started as trainees with the firm and we see this as a positive way of ensuring the values and caring, professional approach of the firm are continued from generation to generation.”

Sarah Cairns, Lisa Johnson and Tina Circus began their training contracts on 1st September 2005 and they will continue for the next two years.

Thursfields ‘adds weight’ to increasing success

July 2005

Long established West Midlands based law firm, Thursfields, have strengthened their already successful reputation by gaining the Law Society’s Practice Management Standard, Lexcel.

Thursfields have been added to the elite 4.6% of law firms throughout the UK to have received the prestigious Lexcel award.

The Lexcel quality mark is accredited for recognition of excellence in client care and file and case management, together with financial management and a number of other strict criteria.

The requirements to meet the Lexcel standard are extremely demanding, with the assessment panel examining 55 separate areas of practise management.

Whilst the practice was established in 1877, the presentation of the Lexcel quality mark is a sign that Thursfields has no problem moving with the times and meeting such stringent standards.

Bill Heaselgrave, Senior Partner said “ Gaining the Lexcel standard is a significant achievement for Thursfields.”

“We started from an excellent base with the vast majority of requirements being met across the firm from the beginning. However our Quality and Risk Management Partner, Stephen Wyer, based at the Worcester office took the lead in planning the changes that needed to be implemented.”

“We are very proud of all our dedicated staff and congratulate them on this well deserved award.”

The Lexcel accreditation gives clients further peace of mind that the Thursfields legal team have been independently assessed, to offer quality of service above and beyond the Law Society’s statutory conduct rules. 

Together with this, the 2004 Annual Report from the Law Society indicated that Lexcel accredited practises had 40% fewer complaints than unaccredited ones.

President of The Law Society, Kevin Martin, said "I am delighted that Thursfields Solicitors have achieved this important Law Society award.

“It is proof that they are delivering a high quality service to the people of Worcestershire, who can feel reassured that they will receive a service which is first class, committed, focused and businesslike."

Thursfields Solicitors have a network of offices based in Worcester, Kidderminster and Stourport on Severn.

For further information please contact Bill Heaselgrave on 01562 820575

Julie’s career reaches new heights

June 2005

Local woman, Julie Goodman, is to move “up the legal tree”/Julie Goodman will see her career reach new heights when she is appointed an Associate at Thursfields, the leading (Kidderminster) firm of Solicitors on the 1st July.

Julie Goodman originally joined Thursfields Solicitors in Kidderminster, in 1985 as a PA to Mark Thursfield, the grandson of the founder of the firm.  She trained in law while working full time, and was admitted as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in May 1997.

In 2000 she left to join a large international firm of lawyers in Birmingham, but returned to Thursfields in 2003 when she realised she preferred helping local people on the legal issues involved in buying and selling their homes, to the cut and thrust of a big city commercial practice.

“My heart lies more with dealing with members of the public rather than corporate entities”  said Julie.

Julie, who was born in Kidderminster and now lives in Stourport-on-Severn is looking forward to her new status within the firm.   “This is such an honour.  I love working at Thursfields and I enjoy helping local people with their domestic property sales and purchases.   I have always wanted to climb higher in the firm and to be appointed an Associate is a dream come true.”

Senior Partner Bill Heaselgrave said: I am delighted to welcome Julie as an Associate.  She is a dedicated and successful member of our team and takes an important role in our plans for future growth.