Member Article

Blacks Solicitors reveals innovative return to work

Blacks Solicitors has responded to the unique requirements placed on the firm by Covid-19 and consolidated 11 departments into its City Point office on King Street.

Since moving into the office in 2017 the firm has grown significantly, with turnover increasing to over £12.6 million in 2021, and staff numbers growing to 170.

Blacks’ Residential Property, IT, Human Resources and Accounts departments have joined the firm’s seven other teams, including Corporate, Commercial Property, and Employment at the 11,000 sq ft City Point office.

Chris Allen, Managing Partner at Blacks Solicitors, commented: “The restrictions placed on the UK due to the pandemic have played a crucial role in us bringing the whole firm together under one roof. Working from home has been particularly effective and this has led to us adopting a modern flexible working model, giving staff the opportunity to hot desk when necessary.”

The consolidation in the one office coincides with 19 new hires, including a Paralegal in the Wills & Probate team, Solicitors in the Corporate & Commercial and Family teams, an Associate Solicitor and a Partner in the Commercial Dispute Resolution team, and a new Partner in the Commercial Property team, bringing the total number of partners at the firm to 26.

The firm has invested in a range of updates to its headquarters, including additional desk and computer space, casual meeting booths and a locker wall. Advanced technology has also been incorporated to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 including a purpose-built virtual hearing room, iPad and phone stands, and webcams throughout the office.

Chris continued: “Despite being extremely challenging, the pandemic has given us the unique opportunity to innovate our ways of working, and by responding to the situation quickly and decisively we’ve maintained our reputation of being ahead of the curve. I’m looking forward to seeing how our teams moving into City Point settle in, and the ongoing impact of our new flexible working strategy.”

The office remains Covid secure with hand sanitizer stations, antibacterial wipes, face masks, and strict social distancing guidelines.

Since first moving into the City Point office in 2017, Blacks Solicitors has won numerous prestigious awards including Medium Law Firm of the Year and Managing Partner of the Year at the Yorkshire Legal Awards, and been shortlisted for awards including Property Law Firm of the Year at the Insider Property Awards.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lucky North .