Western Mail, 12th November 2007
Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice has moved to limited liability partnership (LLP) status – which it says will herald significant growth for 2008.
The Cardiff-based practice has grown by almost 500% since being founded with just 3 solicitors in 1996 as the first law firm in Wales devoted entirely to family law.
It now has 11 female and three male lawyers, providing a female and male perspective to its divorce clients – a figure which continues to grow.
Thea Hughes, Joint Managing Partner, said the change to LLP was a natural next step in the firm’s development which would deliver real business benefit.
“The change will maintain the firm’s ability to attract and retain the best staff, help ensure an efficient and responsive service for clients across South Wales and beyond and improve transparency,” she said.
“We, together with our staff and clients, recognise and support the need to run our business in a responsible, transparent manner. Likewise, a limited liability structure will help us to continue attracting and retaining the best people.”
An LLP is a hybrid between a traditional partnership – the legal structure formerly used by Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice – and a limited company.
Unlike traditional partnerships, an LLP has the benefit of limiting the personal liability of members, while allowing the flexibility to retain existing internal structures.
The firm recently appointed three assistant solicitors Elizabeth Williams, from Cardiff, and Lorraine Watts, from Harrow, Middlesex, who both qualified in September this year after having trained with the firm and Jane Baker from Cardiff.
The firm also appointed a new trainee solicitor Adam Frewen, originally from Pencoed, near Bridgend, a University of Wales, Aberystwyth, graduate.
Partner Melanie Hamer said, “As the firm continues to enjoy strong growth, it is more important than ever for us to secure the services of the best young legal talent. “