17 minute read
Happenings in Hampshire
An honorary fellowship from the University of Winchester
Jon Whettingsteel, Partner and head of the family department at Dutton Gregory Solicitors received an honorary fellowship from the University of Winchester. This was in recognition of the support Jon and Dutton Gregory have provided to students in their law department, and in helping develop the future of the legal profession. Over the last year Dutton Gregory have offered students from the University work experience, mock interviews, open days, and the opportunity to get involved with their events and build connections in the legal industry.
Jon was in illustrious company, with BBC journalist and Mastermind presenter Clive Myrie and Lord Mark Price CVO, the former Managing Director of Waitrose and Minister of State for Trade and Investment amongst others whom were awarded honorary fellowships with the class of 2023
Jon said, ‘this was a huge privilege. When I started working with the University of Winchester I never thought I would be honoured with a fellowship, and I am so grateful. I am very lucky that Dutton Gregory has allowed me to follow my passion in helping grow the lawyers of tomorrow. It is a testament to the University and the students that they always get involved in the events that we arrange. There are some very talented students coming out of the University, and they are going to be fantastic lawyers. I am really excited about continuing to build the link with Dutton Gregory and the University of Winchester, and what we can achieve in the future.
Clarke & Son Solicitors announces new marketing leadership and talent development initiatives.
Clarke & Son Solicitors, a leading Basingstoke law firm, welcomes Alex Young as Marketing & Business Development Manager. Alex takes responsibility for our efforts to grow our client base and strengthen our existing relationships.
Alex brings with him a wealth of strategic expertise and experience in digital marketing, aligning perfectly with our firm’s dedication to excellence and innovation. Eager to support both our clients and our business, we are confident in the positive impact he will make as we continue to grow.
We are also proud to share that Amrit Sangha and Maisie Williams will be transitioning into trainee roles starting in April 2024. Having joined Clarke & Son Solicitors as paralegals in 2023, both Amrit and Maisie have shown great dedication to the profession and a strong desire to contribute to our success. Now approaching April, their hard work pays off as they start the next phase of their careers with us.
We recognise their commitment and are thrilled to support their growth within the firm. This transition recognises their capabilities and underscores our dedication to nurturing talent from within.
Enable Law Grows its Hampshire Team with Senior Hires
National firm Enable Law is going from strength to strength in Hampshire. The firm has recently bolstered its team on the ground with personal injury and clinical negligence heavyweight Darren O’Sullivan who joined as a Partner from Novum, to grow the firm’s presence on the Isle of Wight. Darren has over 22 years of experience supporting injured clients bring successful claims and put their lives back together.
In addition to that the firm was recently joined by Partner, Sarah Palmer, formerly of the Children’s Legal Practice, who has been tasked with developing the firm’s education offering. Sarah previously successfully built a significant practice in education law and has come across to Enable Law with members of her former team. Sarah and her team are based out of Enable Law’s Southampton office making it the firm’s base for developing their education team out of.
Another recent senior hire is Annabelle Vaughan who has joined Enable Law as a Partner at the firm’s Southampton Mental Capacity team. Annabelle who joined from Knights PLC has particular expertise in helping those with complex needs, who lack the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves, to navigate the management of their finances. Annabelle is a Court of Protection deputy and acts as an attorney and professional trustee safeguarding the interests of those unable to represent themselves.
Alison McClure, Head of the firm’s Southampton office said “ We are thrilled to welcome Darren, Sarah and Annabelle to Enable Law,” Their wealth of experience and collaborative approach will strengthen our existing teams. The recent additions to our Hampshire team reinforces our position as a preeminent player in providing legal advice and support to those that need it the most.
Trethowans shortlisted in four categories at the Solent Deals Awards 2024
Trethowans are celebrating being shortlisted in no less than four categories in the Solent Deals Awards 2024, run by The Business Magazine.
Independent judges worked alongside The Business Magazine’s core panel to assess multiple entries across all 13 categories.
21 March 2024 will see this year’s awards ceremony return to the Hilton at the Utilita Bowl at a glittering event where the winners will be announced.
As always, the room will be filled with all the biggest names in the region, representing talent from across the Solent region’s corporate finance sector.
Trethowans are shortlisted in:
• Law Firm of the Year
• Large Deal of the Year - Just Develop It’s acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Total Security
• Mid Deal of the Year - Jimmy’s Iced Coffee sale to Britvic Soft Drinks
• Lawyer of the Year – Lucy Gleisner, Partner & Head of Corporate
Commenting on being shortlisted, Partner Lucy Gleisner said, “We are really proud to have been shortlisted in these categories. They recognise some of the fantastic and hard work that has been carried out by the whole team at Trethowans. It’s been a busy year and we will look forward to the awards ceremony in March.”
Trethowans growth in Winchester continues as it celebrates new joiners and promotions
Trethowans in Winchester have recently seen two new joiners and senior level promotions.
Leyla Whitlingum has joined as Head of Private Client in Winchester. Her expertise includes all areas of private client law including trust creation and the administration of complex estates as well as contentious probate, where she has acted in Will disputes and Inheritance Act claims.
Charlotte West-Withers has joined the Agricultural & Rural Property team as a Senior Associate. Charlotte returns to Trethowans having previously undertaken her training at the firm. She has experience in acting in a wide range of matters for large rural landholdings, high net-worth individuals and institutional landowners, mainly in relation to farms and landed estates.
Trethowans has also celebrated the success of two of its team members with promotions for Laura Bell and Lorna Secker. Laura Bell was promoted to Partner in the Family team in October, she is a collaborative practitioner and mediator, advising clients on resolving issues arising out of separation.
Lorna Secker has taken over the role of Head of Residential Property in Winchester. Lorna has extensive local knowledge of Winchester and its surrounding areas and deals with all aspects of residential property work including sales and purchases, transfers of equity, new builds and remortgages.
Emma Wilders-Pratt, Head of the Winchester office at Trethowans, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Leyla and Charlotte to our Winchester team. Since the office launched in 2021 we have seen a headcount growth of 37%, and we are still looking to recruit further into the office. I would also like to congratulate Laura and Lorna on their promotions.
It has been an exciting year for Trethowans, which saw us recognised by Chambers as a leading firm for private wealth and high value residential work. We have also become the Strategic Partner for the Theatre Royal Winchester. After such a successful year, we look forward to seeing what 2024 has to bring.”
Southampton legal practice invited to the House of Lords for Green Skills
The founding partners of AL-HQ Law & More believe that all businesses have a responsibility towards the people and the planet, and every sector can learn how to get started or build up the necessary skills, training and knowledge to take practical action. Since setting up in 2021 they have been inspired through faith-based learning to provide an innovative and flexible practice which can enable them to not only deliver a different type of legal service but also support the next generation of lawyers and work alongside and within existing law firms, eliminating barriers to knowledge sharing whilst respecting individual business interests.
The invitation to the House of Lords bought together participants of the Green Skills in Business programme by Small Business Britain and Oxford Brookes Business School to celebrate completion of the course and to continue raising awareness of the importance of implementing sustainability for all businesses.
Syed Aminul Hoque, founding partner, financial planner and director of finance said “At the end of the day it has to be about the people, whether it is our client, our neighbour, our business colleague or our family member, each person has a need that should be meet with purpose and humanity in mind. Treating others as more than numbers or transactions, is vital for a brighter and stronger future. At AL-HQ Law & More the very foundation of our faith-inspired services is based on being able to cater for every need, from our free community legal surgeries right up to premium level support through specialist expert advisors on more complex cases”.
The Southampton firm was recently awarded Boutique Firm of The Year at the industry leading international STEP Private Client Awards for its inclusive approach competing against submissions from 29 countries and they were highly commended at the British Wills & Probate Awards for Innovation and Transformation of the Year for including digital legal solutions last year. Prior to this, in 2022, AL-HQ Law & More were awarded Will-writing Firm of the South and Community and Charity Champions at the British Wills and Probate Awards. Specialising in estate planning is just the start for them as the focus is on building from that to lifelong legal support through
a growing network of specialist and like-minded advisors. Being a niche provider for Islamic Wills and Sharia-compliant services has given them a global audience. The founders also assist local law firms and both partners have consultant roles with other leading organisations and law firms in addition to managing their own practice. The firm has conducted a number of workshops on the topic of Islamic Wills to assist local delivery for the Southern region and have found clients are reaching them from all corners of the county and country.
Yasmin Hoque, fellow founding partner, solicitor and director of legal said “Completion of the Green Skills course supports our existing approach to Net Zero and community initiatives, we are inspired to share our Muslim faith in the workplace and beyond to help provide accurate expert advice and benefit others with our authentic approach to legal matters with a foundation that aims to be truly soul-enriching, we hope to help eliminate fears and negative experiences around legal services. We want to make justice accessible to all by empowering the community and every business to also take a deeper dive behind the scenes to deliver excellent client services with meaningful impact and positive outcomes.”
In 2024, AL-HQ Law & More launched their in-person pro bono initiative in the form of a fortnightly pop-up and drop-in Community Legal Surgery where it is all about coffee, cake and law. It is a legal roadshow with an informal setting to provide supervised and free legal advice, bringing together students of law and legal professionals to work together. Developing opportunities for law students from all universities across the Hampshire region and beyond and connecting them to a diverse range of legal professionals means a truly unique and independent platform to get involved with for the benefit of enhancing talent within legal industry and showcasing excellence of service to the local communities. The firm are Law students and lawyers can get in touch to find out more by completing the contact form on the website (www.alhqlaw.com)
Scott Bailey LLP Announces the Opening of a Lyndhurst Branch, Strengthening Its New Forest Presence
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cott Bailey is excited to unveil its latest expansion with the launch of a new branch in Lyndhurst, marking a significant enhancement of its services across the New Forest area. This strategic move is designed to bolster the firm’s commitment to serving the local community more effectively and to support its ongoing growth trajector.
The establishment of the Lyndhurst branch is hot on the heels of a momentous year for Scott Bailey, highlighted by the achievement of winning New Forest Business of the Year Award in 2023. This new venture is a testament to the firm’s enduring dedication to excellence and its
commitment to provide award-winning legal services to a broader clientele throughout
Hampshire and beyond.
James Burford, Partner and Head of Conveyancing at Scott Bailey, expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion: “The opening of our Lyndhurst branch is a milestone in our firm’s journey. It not only signifies our growth but also our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional legal services. We are thrilled to enhance our capabilities with a new office in Lyndhurst, and will continue delivering the high standard of service our clients have come to expect from us. It is indeed a very exciting time for Scott Bailey.”
The Lyndhurst branch is poised to play a crucial role in Scott Bailey’s mission to offer comprehensive legal support to both personal and business clients. With a team of industryleading
lawyers, the firm is well-equipped to address a wide array of legal needs, ensuring that clients receive expert advice and personalised service.
Scott Bailey remains dedicated to its growth strategy, aiming to enrich its team and service offerings continually. The firm’s expansion into Lyndhurst underscores its commitment to
accessibility and excellence in legal services, reinforcing its position as a trusted name in the legal community.
If you’d like more information on Scott Bailey and its services, or to seek expert legal advice, you are encouraged to contact them directly, or simply visit their website. Join Scott Bailey in embracing this new chapter as they continue to set the benchmark for legal excellence in the New Forest and beyond.
Promotions for three of Biscoes Solicitors.
Biscoes is proud to announce three internal promotions, rewarding dedication, hard work, and success. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their roles, showcasing their drive and achievements within the company. This recognition not only celebrates their accomplishments but also reflects Biscoes ambitious strategy for growth across a number of key practices in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight and the willingness to promote leadership roles to young and ambitious leaders who share the firms continued focus on delivering an exceptional service to its clients and its vision to provide ‘Great Service, Every Client, Every Time’.
Marissa Purnell was promoted on 2nd January 2024 and has become an Associate Solicitor in our Residential Property department. Marissa joined Biscoes in 2017 and qualified as a Solicitor in 2019 following her training contract with the firm.
Luke Brown joined Biscoes in February 2018 and started a training contract not long after qualifying as a Solicitor in 2020. As of the 1st of March 2024, Luke will be promoted to Associate Solicitor in Biscoes Employment department.
Josh Gallop joined Biscoes in 2018 where he completed his training contract. As of the 1st of March 2024, Josh will be promoted to Associate Solicitor in Biscoes Residential Property department in their Newport, Isle of Wight office.
Biscoes Solicitors acquire Hudsons Solicitors
Biscoes Legal Services Ltd (‘Biscoes Solicitors’) acquired the family-run law firm Hudson Solicitors in January 2024.
Hudsons Solicitors was setup set up in 2011 by Jonathan Hudson who alongside his sister Mary Hudson built their business to provide friendly, professional advice to local people from a local Fareham office. Their approach is based on getting to know their clients, understanding their concerns and objectives, and taking the best possible care of them at every stage.
The merger of the two firms will see the ever-growing Biscoes Solicitors acquire a new office base in Fareham, adding to its six offices in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Alongside Hudson’s current Inheritance Protection service, the office will be offering a wider range of legal services, assisting everyone from business clients to individuals, families, and members of the Armed Forces.
The acquisition marks a crucial strategic move for Biscoes Solicitors, building on its previous mergers with Gurney Champion & Co and Heyes Samuel in Ryde in 2018 and Wheelers Solicitors in Newport, Isle of Wight in 2021.
Biscoes’ Managing Director, Alison Lee says: ‘We are delighted to be able to add the expertise of the Hudsons team to our inheritance protection team and to now offer all of Biscoes legal services in other areas to the present and former clients of Hudsons Solicitors. We will continue to operate from the office in Fareham but will now be offering a full range of legal services to any clients who want to see one of our experts there.’ .
Biscoes Solicitors is turning 170!
Biscoes is proud to be celebrating its 170th birthday in 2024. Established in 1854, Biscoes has provided legal services to clients across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for more than a century. Over the years, the firm has become a well-known legal name in the areas it serves, offering a wide range of services to individuals and businesses.
Starting as Cousins Burbidge and Connor, the firm merged with Lyndhurst Groves and Biscoe Smith Heather and Bellinger in 1995 becoming Biscoes Cousins Groves, finally adopting the name Biscoes in 2000. Over the last 170 years, Biscoes has merged and taken over more than 10 firms across Hampshire
and the Isle of Wight. The firm has adapted to the changing circumstances by adopting new technologies and working practices. This has enabled it to provide its clients with the same high-quality legal services it has always been known for.
As Biscoes looks forward to the future, it remains committed to its core value of Great Service, Every Client, Every Time. The firm’s team of dedicated lawyers and support staff are always on hand to provide expert advice and guidance to clients, whatever their needs may be. With its rich history and commitment to excellence, Biscoes will continue thriving for many years to come.
Annabel Robbins – Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Having only joined the Biscoes’ Newport office as a Legal Assistant in the Conveyancing Team at the beginning of October, by the end of the month, Annabel Robbins was climbing to heights of 5750m on Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise money for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice and raise awareness of Zoe’s Law.
At temperatures of around -10 degrees Celsius at the top of the mountain and 28 degrees in the rain forest at the foot, Kilimanjaro is considered by many to be a tougher challenge than trekking to Everest Base Camp (5364m) due to the lack of time allowance for the body to acclimatise to such a change in altitude.
Annabel was supporting Andrew Tapsell of Cherry Godfrey Finance and Charlie Panayi of Red Squirrel Property Shop who tragically lost his sister to skin cancer at the age of 26 in 2020,
leaving behind a young family. The Earl Mountbatten Hospice helped Zoe and helps to support other individuals with end-of-life care whilst continuing to support their grieving families.
Zoe’s Law is a campaign that was established due to the failure of professionals to test a mole removed from Zoe, which could have prevented her from losing her life. The petition aims to get the testing of all removed moles to be a legal requirement, hopefully saving lives in the future. Please watch the video to hear Zoe’s story and then join us in signing the petition, both available on Annabel’s fundraising page at https://linktr.ee/ annabelrobbins.
