Chris Else, Managing Partner at Else Solicitors, reflects on 2023.
Just over two decades ago, on 11th November 2003, Else Solicitors received approval from the Law Society to practice as an independent law firm, and to mark this milestone of 20 years in business, the Else Team celebrated in style at The Dragon in Willington, which fittingly is owned by one of the firm’s first clients. Else are proud to be based in Burton on Trent representing clients locally, but also the length and breadth of the UK and Internationally.
We value our business relationships, so it seemed fitting to invite clients, contacts and some of our friends of the firm to also celebrate our 20-year anniversary. We held a fantastic summer BBQ at the Burton Rugby Club where we enjoyed 1 or 2 beers in the sunshine!
We have seen steady growth across all practice areas this year. Thanks to our Commercial Property & Wills and Probate Heads of Departments, who have worked hard to develop new business and mentor their teams and to all our Solicitors, Paralegals and trainees who have delivered excellent client care and legal services. We must also thank our support team, who have work tirelessly across all functions of the business.
This year has seen significant growth in our litigation department, which now boasts a six strong team of experienced litigators, fantastically supported by experienced Counsel, seamlessly complimenting the team. The firm has a growing reputation as a specialist commercial dispute resolution law firm, acting on behalf of business and professional clients, in debt recovery matters, shareholder disputes, business contract disputes, property disputes and many more types of litigation of both straight forward and complex matters. Of particular note was a success achieved by one of our partners, Ian Meadows who was successful in the Court of Appeal, in a case where clear guidance was provided by the Appeal Court Judges on the important topic of director’s duties.
The firm has continued to hold regular events alongside Steve Dixon and The Do Club, and its Meet The Leader events are a great success in both Burton and Derby. At these events, business owners and senior managers meet for an informal early dinner, with the objective of meeting every 6-8 weeks in a non-sales environment, enabling them to get to know, like and trust each other and thereafter business follows.
Our local charity support, in particular the YMCA Burton, has seen us hold our annual Golf Day and Six aside Football tournament, raising crucial funds for this fantastic charity, which enables individuals who are homeless, accommodation and a return to secure employment. We thank all the local businesses, clients and friends of the firm that contributed to these events.
Thanks to the Else Team for their hard work this year and to our clients and businesses that support the firm enabling us to achieve continuous success.
We wish you all a happy and successful New Year.