Clapham & Collinge has announced that it has left national legal network QualitySolicitors after four years. The move to re-establish itself as a completely independent firm coincides with Clapham & Collinge's 60th anniversary and is being marked with a fresh new visual identity.
On Monday, 9th February, Clapham & Collinge officially reclaimed its independence. Clients and staff arriving at the firm's city-centre offices were greeted by an elegant plum and pistachio brand-mark which has replaced the bright pink QualitySolicitors logo.
Hugh Berridge is Senior Partner at Clapham & Collinge and has been with the firm for more than 35 years. "As a firm we have never been afraid of change, preferring to tackle challenges head on. Over the years we've adapted our services and approach to ensure we always offer what our clients need in a way that works best for them", Hugh explains. "Becoming part of a large, national network was absolutely the right decision for us four years ago. At that time changes in legislation were making it incredibly hard for smaller law firms to compete against commodity legal providers such as the large supermarket chains. We were determined to put ourselves in the best possible position to retain our market share and grow as a business. There was a good fit between Clapham & Collinge and QualitySolicitors and we were able to learn from each other and create a customer-focused brand that is now well-known across the UK."
"We have enjoyed, and benefited from, being part of QualitySolicitors but, after a great deal of deliberation, the Clapham & Collinge partners decided that the time was right to start re-focusing on our own brand", continues Hugh Berridge. "We have always been incredibly proud to be a Norfolk firm and, as we develop the business, the county is where our commitment lies."
Clapham & Collinge will continue to deliver the same comprehensive range of legal services to their clients.
Tammy Parnell, Managing Partner at Clapham & Collinge said "Our mission as a business is very simple; every day we strive to be the very best law firm for people in Norfolk", she explains. "From buying a first home to handling a painful divorce, supporting a local business with a management buy-out or dealing with a complicated trust, we will fight tooth and nail for our clients. As a team we understand Norfolk and the things that make it special and different from other parts of the UK".
"Respect is critical to the way we work as a firm", adds Tammy Parnell. "We always try to make our clients feel relaxed when they come to see us; we are professional but avoid being stuffy or intimidating. Our aim is to build relationships with clients so that they think of Clapham & Collinge as their law firm; a team that is there whenever they need us."
As part of its commitment to being 'the very best law firm for people in Norfolk', Clapham & Collinge is actively involved in a range of local charities and community initiatives. As well as supporting charities such as Break, Will-Aid and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, the firm develops and promotes its own events such as regular free advice coffee mornings, dementia awareness events and training sessions.
"We are extremely excited about our future as an independent local firm. Whilst our existing clients won't notice any changes to the excellent service we provide, we hope that people who don't already know us will be tempted to find out more about how we can help them. The move away from being part of a national network means that we can revert to making business decisions that are entirely focused on the needs of our business, our clients and our community", concludes Hugh Berridge.
