One of the biggest challenges faced by law firms (and indeed most businesses) today is the need to ensure that we stand out in clients’ minds in a clear and distinct way. We recognise that clients' requirements are becoming more and more sophisticated and it is important that law firms have the right platform to attract and retain the right quality of people to help service client needs.
In a move to demonstrate such a commitment to all our clients, and to capture the positive opportunities thrown up by a shaky marketplace, the partners and employees of Campbell Hooper joined forces with us in June 2009 in what has been hailed as “one of the largest UK mergers in recent years” (The Lawyer, May 2009).
Speechly Bircham with a twist
Operating under the name of Speechly Bircham LLP, the combined teams from Speechlys and Campbell Hooper offer clients a greater breadth of expertise and more enhanced service coverage. It ensures we continue to evolve a robust business to withstand future challenging markets whilst demonstrating our strengths in meeting the associated client needs.
With more than 240 lawyers, all based at New Street Square, the expanded firm has leapt into the UK’s top 50 law firms. It is organised around providing seamless transactional, advisory and dispute resolution services to our three main client markets: businesses; private clients and clients in the real estate, construction and engineering sector.
Business Services
UK and multi-national organisations benefit from the breadth of experience of the specialist teams in Speechly Bircham’s Business Services division. With more than 120 lawyers, we provide businesses with a comprehensive legal service to meet their developing, and often complex, needs in areas that include corporate finance; banking; financial services; insolvency; tax; IP; technology; competition; data protection; employment; pensions; business immigration as well as all types of commercial disputes.
Private Client Services
Ranked among the top 10 private client practices in the world (Chambers Global 2009), our highly regarded private client practice is widely known for providing a complete service to UK and international individuals and families, wealth management organisations, trustees, family offices and charities. The team specialises in delivering comprehensive practical advice on wealth protection, tax and succession planning, philanthropy, family and real estate issues in difficult and sometimes contentious circumstances.
Real Estate, Construction & Engineering Services
Over 70 lawyers work in multidisciplinary teams to provide advice to lenders, investors, developers, occupiers, contractors and engineers. Meeting the requirements of our clients we operate across all major real estate sectors including commercial and industrial property; strategic land and regeneration; urban estates; healthcare, retail and leisure. With services including real estate, finance, tax, planning and environment, sustainability, construction and dispute resolution, our key strength is our ability to manage complex, high profile projects.
Not such a bleak outlook
So how exactly will the new set-up benefit you?
- The integration of Campbell Hooper people with Speechly Bircham means that our joint emphasis on delivering a truly personal service will be delivered by a more impressive team of trusted advisers.
- The long-term client relationships that have been forged over the years, for which both entities are well-known, continue as a focus – the only difference now being that you have a greater resource and advisory network at your fingertips.
- Together, the teams will focus on the energetic delivery of commercial and practical solutions that are designed to be cost-effective and rewarding to all our clients.
- Our complementary international links with other advisers and firms around the world will strengthen our ability to advise the complex needs of people and companies operating internationally.
Great expectations
Commenting on the integration of the two firms Managing Partner, Michael Lingens, says: “Our commitment to providing an exemplary service to our clients will always be paramount. The integration of the two firms represents a great leap forward in our strategic vision and is excellent news for all the clients of the enlarged firm.”
Martin Wright, former Chairman of Campbell Hooper adds: “Having taken the decision to look for a tie up with a larger firm, we were delighted by both the exceptional practice fit and, most importantly, the remarkable cultural attunement enjoyed by both practices.We are very much enjoying working as an enlarged firm.”
For more information, please contact:
Michael Lingens, Managing Partner, on +44 (0)20 7427 6503 or michael.lingens@speechlys.com
Charlotte Souter, press office, on +44 (0)20 7427 6466, charlotte.souter@speechlys.com