From July 1st, 2005 a well known and long established firm of solicitors, Blackhams Cuthbertson, will be known by one name only, Blackhams. This represents the culmination of a 12 month programme of major changes which have been designed to put the client at the centre of the business, whilst increasing turnover by 43% through the development of its corporate and commercial client base.
Managing partner Paul Smith explains: “Our clients have always referred to us by the shortened title of Blackhams and so we decided to adopt it formally as our brand name. Every aspect of Blackhams’ evolution, from the move to new premises, the overhaul of our IT systems, to the new corporate identity, has been geared towards making clients feel the difference in how we deliver our services and to benefit from it.”
The recent appointment of Martyn Jones as business development manager has been pivotal. He has overseen many of the aspects of the new and improved firm, which has doubled the number of its fee earners through acquisition and organic growth. He said: “I’m here to help lawyers expand their thinking to include marketing themselves and their services effectively within the modern business arena.”
One area where Blackhams is making headway is in the formation of strategic partnerships with other service organisations where legal intervention is offered to clients only as part of a range of other options.
"With the whole legal landscape set to change over the next five years, if we want to continue to prosper, we need to be able to offer both advice and solutions so we don’t fall prey to the increasing competition from ‘off the shelf’ legal advice."
“As a reputable medium sized firm, our vision is to develop steadily by attracting good lawyers to join our ranks and help us continue our expansion.”
