Thursfields’ Corporate law Team rises up the rankings
Thursfields Solicitors has once again been praised in the latest edition of “industry bible”, The Legal 500.
In particular, the increasing reputation for corporate and commercial law services is recognised as the Corporate and Commercial Team moves up to Tier 2.
Legal 500 states that Thursfields Corporate team “offers a pragmatic view of the level of complexity needed depending on the individual situation, and clearly explains each element of its documents and why they are needed”.
The team is led by Corporate Director Gareth Burge, who “is able to understand clients’ needs and adapt his service to minimise risk”. Senior Associate Tim Edwards is described as “a hands-on and pragmatic lawyer who has an ability to think laterally around the transactional issues that might arise”.
Director Stuart Price also gains a mention for his work on corporate acquisitions and disposals, including a number in social care. Meanwhile Director Jane Rudge is recommended for her commercial work with key clients including Deaf Direct and Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
During the year, Thursfields’ Corporate Team advised Airband Community Internet on its £16 million investment by the National Digital Infrastructure Fund and the founders of Central Investment Planning on the sale of the company to Milton Optimal International, a Guernsey based company with significant operations in South Africa.
In addition to Corporate work, Thursfields Commercial litigation team is described as “in another class – the firm appreciates that its clients do not have legal backgrounds, so does not try to blind with jargon whilst providing a first class service”. Mentioned is the “very proactive and knowledgeable” Tim Lawrence.
The Employment Team is led by Michelle O’Hara, rated as an “excellent communicator”, who leads an “an effective unit” that “handles myriad employment matters at all levels for a range of commercial clients”. She provides “clear and concise advice” and is highly skilled in restructuring and TUPE-related issues. Associate Lisa Kemp is also rated as providing “savvy advice” that is “strategically sound”.
As well as its expertise in advising businesses, Thursfields is also praised for its services to private clients and the charity and not-for-profit sectors.
According to Legal 500, Thursfields provides a “first class service in family law” with strong capabilities in financial proceedings and children’s cases. Director Shane Miller who leads the team is “very competent, “switched on” and “has a knack of finding the right solutions to cases”.
Director Mercedes King-Jones is considered a “brilliant operator” with a “refreshing ‘no nonsense’ approach”. Also praised are Director Nigel Davies, and Associates Laura Williams and Hannah Nicholls.
For personal tax, trusts and probate the team, lead by Director Michelle Hetheridge, has “high levels of knowledge” and provides “understandable” advice. Others noted are Deborah Beal and Zoe Perry.
Nick O’Hara, Managing Director of Thursfields, said: “This has been another good year for the firm. We recorded our fifth consecutive year of 20% growth and this is now reflected in Thursfields’ rankings in the legal profession. We are particularly encouraged by the positive comments about the expertise of our lawyers as they are very much the future of our firm.”
Thursfields Solicitors is one of the region’s longest established and reputable law firms, with more than 150 staff in eight offices across Worcestershire and the West Midlands providing a full range of legal services to business and the private individual, including property, family, employment and commercial law as well as probate and litigation.
The firm has offices in Worcester, Kidderminster, Halesowen, Sedgley, Stourport-on-Severn, Solihull and Birmingham.
