Member Article

Talbots invests in growth with three key appointments

A leading West Midlands law firm has made three key appointments as part of a strategic expansion drive that will see it grow 20% in 2017.

Talbots, which employs 200 people across seven offices in the Black Country and Worcestershire, has recruited high profile solicitors Ian Bond and Jagdip Bains as Head of Trusts and Estates and Head of Litigation and Commercial Dispute respectively.

The duo, who have more than 35 years’ experience in their specialist fields, will drive the firm’s commitment to ‘providing legal services to clients in a way that suits them, rather than suiting the needs of the lawyer’.

The third key appointment is Claire Cooper, who brings with her a wealth of insolvency expertise to the company’s thriving commercial property department.

“We have a had a really strong start to the year and strengthening our senior management team and adding additional skills to the team is all part of our ambitious strategy for 2017,” explained Mary Mocklow, Chief Executive of Talbots.

“Ian, Jagdip and Claire share our passion for delivering legal services differently and have a desire to grow our business by putting the client first and delivering more joined up services across all departments.

“This means you can come to Talbots for the entire legal offer, from family issues and protecting your estate, to support with residential property changes, employment law and corporate issues.”

Ian Bond, who has been a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) since 2007, specialises in private client work including wills and wealth planning, creation and administration of trusts and estates and the preparation of lasting powers of attorney.

A regular speaker on legal issues, he has been given the task of growing the firm’s wills and probate offering so that it rivals its hugely successful residential conveyancing and family teams.

“I was attracted by the Talbots approach to law as it resonated with my own values,” explained Ian.

“Our ethos is to provide professional, straightforward legal advice by approachable lawyers in a way our clients understand and can afford. It is not about trying to show off how much law we know, but about explaining how we can use our knowledge in a way that can benefit clients.”

Jagdip Bains has extensive experience of helping SMEs with commercial disputes and has acted in many complex cases that have been highly reported. She is keen to promote mediation as an alternative dispute resolution process to save client costs and to maintain commercial relationships. Her specialisms include business property, commercial contract and construction disputes, whilst she also has considerable expertise in insolvency disputes.

“There are substantial opportunities for growing the commercial litigation team. Landlords and tenants are operating in a competitive market and the supply of commercial properties is slowly increasing, which means that lease renewal claims will be on the rise,” added Jagdip.

“This means landlords will be trying to maximise their income so dilapidation claims and break clause disputes will be on the rise too. At Talbots, we will look to work closely with both parties to deliver assured advice at an uncertain time in the market.”

Claire Cooper concluded: “It’s an exciting time to be joining Talbots. The Black Country and Worcestershire has a wealth of industry and independent retailers who are trying to transform our high streets. I’m keen to support these businesses by offering them a one-stop service that can guide them through all their business and property needs.”

Talbots has seven offices in Codsall, Dudley, Halesowen, Kidderminster, Stourbridge, Stourport and on Waterloo Road in Wolverhampton,

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Russ Cockburn .