Leading Midlands law firm Thursfields Solicitors is launching a major recruitment drive across the autumn to fill 20 immediate opportunities with more expected to follow.
Jade Linton, Thursfields’ HR director, said: “Despite what has been an uncertain time for businesses in the wake of the pandemic, our ambitions for growth have not waned.
“We used the steadiness of lockdown to refocus, seek feedback, strategise and revisit our corporate aims in areas including internal branding, learning and development, client relationships and growth.
“Our strategies have paid off and we are now well placed to add to our impressive community of lawyers and managers.
“We seek technically robust lawyers to join our team. We do not mind if they are not the finished article. We commit to helping them get there with clear and kind feedback with a compassionate tone, mentorship and continuous development.”
In spite of tough trading conditions, Thursfields has recorded double digit growth in the past 12 months with the corporate team leading the way with a record year.
Gareth Burge, director and head of corporate, said: “The last 12 months have been our busiest-ever, and the team has worked incredibly hard to ensure all projects were finished to our usual high quality.
“During the pandemic, we completed a total of 29 deals worth over £125 million and consolidated our position as a leading legal adviser to the owner-managed business and SME market.
“As we start our new financial year, we look forward with real optimism. The local mergers and acquisitions market is looking increasingly buoyant and we have some fantastic new deals in the pipeline.”
Strong growth was also achieved by the commercial property team, and the family and commercial litigation and insolvency divisions.
Ms Linton added: “Thursfields is increasingly becoming the law firm of choice for ambitious lawyers who appreciate our flexible and considered approach to all aspects of their employment.
“They appreciate our approach to agile working – we have a hybrid working policy which addresses the need for flexibility and permits home working.
“We have an active equality, diversity and inclusion committee and steering groups as part of our efforts to champion an inclusive culture dedicated to learning, widening access to the profession and a genuine sense of belonging.
“We are also committed to supporting the development of mental health first aiders at each office.”
Comments from current staff members support the firm’s drive for inclusion at all levels.
Lorna Tipple, director in the family division, said: “At Thursfields I am valued not only as a senior manager and lawyer, but as a whole person. The flexibility and autonomy offered allows me to balance all aspects of life, so that there is no longer a stark and outdated choice between career progression and family life. Forward- thinking and people-oriented, Thursfields has a most refreshing approach and I am delighted to be part of this team.”
Harbinder Gosal, a senior associate in the family team, said: “The best thing about working at Thursfields is that the senior management team, including HR, is approachable, and just one phone call away whether it’s a professional matter or personal.
“The firm embracing flexibility of agile and hybrid working has been refreshing to those with childcare commitments. As a recently single parent I would not have coped without the support.”
And for those at the start of their career, Shoab Hussain said: “Thursfields’ client-centric approach, staff inclusiveness and a ‘team thinker’ entrepreneurial culture makes Thursfields an excellent firm to undertake a training contract and begin your legal career.”
Ms Linton said: “I would urge anyone, either at the start of their career or contemplating their next move, to put Thursfields at the very top of their wishlist and give us a call.”
Jade Linton can be contacted on [email protected] or call 0345 2073728.