10 July 2009 marks the two year anniversary of Hutchinson Thomas’s move to a new state-of-the-art £2.5 million premises at Pendrill Court in Neath. The move has enabled the firm to bring together all its departments maximizing communication and efficiency amongst its teams providing an even higher quality service for clients. The relocation provided the catalyst for the firm’s transition from a well-established high street practice to a firm with an increasing regional presence.

Opened by Andrew Holroyd, President of the Law Society of England and Wales, the new 15,000 sq ft. air conditioned offices at the former Benefits Agency in Neath was remodeled by Cardiff based design consultancy Paramount Office Interiors Ltd into a state-of-the-art environment for clients and staff.  Spread over two floors, every thought has gone into the design with a spacious comfortable reception with large TV screen, special client meeting rooms, group conference rooms with multi media technology and open plan staff offices. The design has also incorporated the latest cutting edge technology.   

Partner Simon Thomas said: “Over the last two years this ultra modern working environment has enabled us to deliver the service which the 21st century client is entitled to receive. Although our roots are firmly embedded in the community, the new office, which is close to the M4, provides easy access for our clients who come from across Wales and beyond.  This has enabled the firm to become regional.”

Newly appointed Managing Partner, Peter Morgan, added “While other large firms are moving out of town we wanted to remain close to the centre.  Clients have appreciated the investment in these facilities and complimented the fresh contemporary reception area and meeting rooms and large on-site parking.”

Now one of the biggest firms in South Wales, with twenty one lawyers and thirty four support staff, Hutchinson Thomas carries out a broad range of work for individual and commercial clients. It has dedicated teams of specialists covering all the main fields of private legal practice, providing a strong, single source of legal assistance for its clients.

The firm is accredited by Lexcel, the Law Society’s practice management standard, and each of the departments is recommended in the publication “Legal 500” which recognises the top lawyers in their fields.

Last year saw a 50% growth in the Employment Law Department with multimillion pound organisations coming on stream.

The firm’s Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate Department - which is amongst the largest in Wales - has continued to strengthen with Louise Williams joining Jennifer Melly and Sandra Pickering as the firm’s third member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).  The department also boasts of the talents of Rhian Williams who this year was one of the youngest solicitors to become a Notary Public.

EXPANDING OPERATIONS WITH CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN TRAINING AND NEW TEAM PLAYERS

The firm not only believes in investing in the premises but also in its support staff.  In the last year nine secretaries qualified as paralegals with BTEC level 3 Diplomas in their particular areas of work.  Also, Ros Street who started with the firm as a secretary qualified as a Member of the Institute of Legal Executives.

Since arriving at the new premises the firm has expanded its operations with the recruitment of three highly experienced solicitors in Agriculture and Estates expert, Ieuan Morris,  property lawyer Adrian Morley, formerly a partner with Howells, and Helen Van Willegen. Helen is also a chartered town planner and a full member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.