High standards of client care and engaged staff is winning formula for Thursfields

Thursfields Solicitors has been praised by a leading legal industry review body for consistent attention to its clients and creating a firm where staff are proud to work.

“Standards of client care are high, and people are proud of the outcomes achieved for clients” – that’s the feedback received by Thursfields Solicitors after its recent assessment by the external accreditation body, LEXCEL, conducted during the first lockdown.

Lexcel is the quality standard in legal practice management which was first introduced by The Law Society of England and Wales in 1998.

Managing Director, Michelle O’Hara said: “As a full service law firm with offices across the West Midlands, we advise a wide breadth of clients, from companies buying or selling a business to private individuals moving home or getting a divorce. 

“It is thanks to the efforts of all of our colleagues that LEXCEL has noted the care we take in providing legal advice and guidance to our clients.”

The latest report also highlighted:  “The firm has a strong management culture that is based on sound leadership, excellent communications, modern and flexible ways of working, and good staff involvement. People feel valued and appreciated and looked after by the firm.

“Learning and development continues to work very well, and coaching and knowledge sharing are excellent.”

Before becoming Managing Director in September, Michelle O’Hara led the HR strategy at Thursfields and has a passion and focus for creating a learning and inclusive work culture. 

In the past two years, the firm has created its own Learning Agility programme for employees built around self-reflection and communication skills, hosted an innovative Work Placement Programme designed by its own trainee solicitors and recently launched a student Scholarship programme with Aston University.

This last initiative was developed by Jade Linton, who joined Thursfields’ senior leadership team in March 2020 with strategic oversight for people and culture. Jade was recently named as one of the top 25 UK employment lawyers in the Reward 300 Index and speaks nationally on diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.

Jade Linton, HR Business Partner, said: “At Thursfields, we recognise that true diversity is not a stand-alone initiative, a box ticking exercise or a form of progress without substance. Finding diverse talent is one thing, creating a culture where diverse talent is included, seen, heard and celebrated is the goal.”

Michelle added: “As an employer, we have a strong commitment to listen, learn and change, where that’s needed.”

“We are proud of Thursfields’ reputation as a progressive, forward thinking legal business, and it is heartening for us all to read such a robust third party endorsement of our service to clients and colleagues alike.”