Thomson Snell & Passmore

Senior Partner: Joanna Pratt
Number of partners: 52
Assistant solicitors: 31
Other fee-earners: 75

Contacts:
Corporate & Commercial: Joanne Gallagher
Employment: Nick Hobden
Commercial Property & Development: Richard Ellard
Dispute Resolution: Mark Steggles
Private Client: Nicola Plant, Brian Bacon
Residential Property: Rebecca Swain
Clinical Negligence: Fiona Mills
Personal Injury: Fiona Mills
Family: Joanna Pratt

THE FIRM With roots going back to 1570, Thomson Snell & Passmore have been honoured by the Guinness World Records as the oldest law firm in operation. Based in Tunbridge Wells and the Thames Gateway, just 15 minutes from St Pancras and with over 150lawyers, the firm prides itself on giving uncomplicated, insightful advice conveyed in a straightforward way, making use of first-class technology. The firm has a history of providing high-quality, prompt and cost-effective legal services that protect clients’ interests and safeguard their rights. The firm builds long-term relationships by encouraging a culture of respect, understanding and excellence. The client base includes private individuals, including directors, sports and media personalities, owner managed businesses, entrepreneurs, family businesses, PLCs, SMEs, subsidiaries of overseas companies, schools and colleges and charities.

The firm’s continuing organic growth has been supported by a number of key hires, together with its strategy of working in teams, sharing knowledge and expertise. The practice has been recognised by industry awards in a number of fields, including ‘Top 25 Law Firms’ awarded by Private Client Practitioner magazine and appearances in the Citywealth leaders list. Thomson Snell & Passmore is frequently quoted on legal topics in the media, including the Financial Times.

PRINCIPAL AREAS OF WORK Thomson Snell & Passmore offers a wide range of legal services, for both businesses and private clients, as well as in-depth knowledge of a small number of key sectors that are key to the region’s economy, for example education and food and beverage. 25 of the firm’s specialist practice areas are ranked by the leading independent guides to UK law firms and it is proud to have in their teams many leaders in the field.

The experience of the firm’s corporate and commercial team includes numerous transactions of various sizes and values for clients ranging from owner managed businesses to UK operations of larger international companies. It helps clients maximise long-term profitability with practical, insightful solutions for trading, commercial and contractual issues.

The firm’s commercial property and development team give commercially orientated advice and ensure a speedily concluded transaction whether purchasing, selling or leasing commercial property. The property development team has extensive experience in promoting, acquiring and disposing of land for development. The firm is also building up a very reputable property finance practice with numerous leading companies in this field.

The team of specialist employment lawyers help prevent employee claims and protect businesses against penalties. Lawyers have significant experience with employment tribunal claims. The firm’s dispute resolution lawyers find the most practical, commercial and cost-effective solution to any dispute, minimising risk and time. The firm handles a wide variety of UK and international disputes.

The firm’s private client group sees a significant number of high-quality referrals from both clients and other professionals as a result of the complexity and quality of their work. Services for private clients include tax and estate planning and trust matters. As the second largest Court of Protection practice in the country by number of cases and value, Thomson Snell & Passmore is recognised for the range, depth and clear expertise in property and financial deputyships, welfare and contentious cases and personal injury trusts. The firm’s clinical negligence and personal injury team of specialist lawyers have the expertise to deal with complex and high value cases. Clinical negligence cases include cerebral palsy, other types of brain injury, amputation and delayed diagnosis of cancer. For personal injury they specialise in catastrophic injury and adult and child brain injury.

The firm’s family team provides the right expertise in even the most unusual and difficult circumstances. Matters include mediation and collaborative law, financial agreements, child welfare, care proceedings, cohabitation disputes and prenuptial agreements.

CLIENTS Building a lasting partnership with all of its clients is key to the firm’s success. For businesses, this gives the firm an in-depth understanding of an organisation and its strategy so that lawyers can find commercially focused solutions. For individuals, the firm enables them to provide a personal, supportive and friendly service tailored to clients’ needs. Thomson Snell & Passmore advises private individuals, directors, PLCs, subsidiaries of overseas companies, SMEs, owner managed businesses, schools and colleges, local authorities and charities.

RECRUITMENT Several key appointments have have helped to support the firm’s continuing organic growth in line with business strategy. Everyone at the firm is integral to Thomson Snell & Passmore’s success and the firm is committed to equality and diversity in employment. Lawyers work across teams, sharing knowledge and expertise. They communicate clearly and are strongly supportive of one another. The firm has won awards for its training and recruitment and provides opportunities for qualified lawyers, trainee solicitors and business services; plus work placements for undergraduates and work experience at GCSE level.