Shortcuts:
Lisa Dawson Resolves
[22/07/10]
Ellisons sponsor WMYC Race
[22/07/10]
Ellisons sponsor EWT AGM 2010
[26/06/10]
Football Win
[03/06/10]
HIPs Suspended
[21/05/10]
Online Auction Sale
[7/05/10]
CCHS Thirteen
[11/05/10]
Retiring after 38years
[8/04/10]
Horse Race Sponsor
[05/04/10]
Property Conference
[17/03/10]
Point to Point
[16/03/10]
Help for Haiti
[2/02/10]
Newly Qualifieds
[13/11/09]
Marshalls Merger
[1/10/09]
Merger Highlighted
[11/09/09]
Legal 500 Report
[10/09/09]
Two Partners
[1/09/09]
Mersea Race Again
[21/07/09]
Rural Affairs Team
[1/07/09]
Marshall Merger
[15/05/09]
Property Conference
[06/05/09]
Clacton Pier
[01/03/09]
The Archives
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22.07.2010 - Lisa Dawson, Family Solicitor at Ellisons is now a Resolution Specialist
Family Solicitor Lisa Dawson, who is based in Ellisons' Colchester office, has gained specialist status within Resolution, the national organisation of family lawyers committed to non-confrontational divorce, separation and other family problems.
Lisa, has been with Ellisons since 2002 when she joined as a Trainee and became a member of the five-strong Family team on qualifying in 2004.
Head of Family Jon Armstrong is delighted with Lisa's recently acquired qualification:
"Family Law is a very fast moving specialism and divorce is increasingly about complex financial arrangements and sensitive childcare issues. It is important that as individual specialists, we keep up with these developments and bodies such as Resolution are pivotal to ensuring that we do so."
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22.07.2010 - 40th anniversary of the WMYC annual Round The Island Race - Sponsor Ellisons Solicitors on board for 4th year.
Ellisons Solicitors is sponsoring West Mersea Yacht Club's annual 'Round the Island' Race,for the fourth year running.
This year it is the 40th anniversary of the WMYC annual Round The Island Race. The event, which is open to recognised dinghy classes, small multihulls or Fishermans Open Boats, has enjoyed huge popularity over the years and is acknowledged as a key community event for Mersea Island. To celebrate this milestone anniversary the club is adding a new 'Port and Starboard Challenge Trophy' to the list of prizes which is intended to test the most experienced sailors.
Well over a hundred dinghies and small boats of all shapes and sizes are expected to circumnavigate the Island in this West Mersea Yacht Club organised race, which takes place this year on Wednesday the 11th August, mid-way through Mersea Week.
Entries close on Wednesday 4th August, after which time competitors will be watching the weather in order to plan their strategies which importantly includes the option to choose which way around the island to sail. Crews decide at the last moment whether to go clockwise or anti-clockwise around the Island, crossing the Strood with the help of the friends and family. This year High Tide at the Strood is 13.57.
Ellisons partner Seamus Clifford explains why Ellisons is more than happy to continue with its support of this annual event:
"Many of our Firm, including myself, live on the island, as do a number of our clients. The island community is important to us and how better to demonstrate our commitment than to continue with the sponsorship of this unique event. It is a wonderful family occasion and an opportunity to celebrate how very privileged we are to live and work in this very beautiful coastal location."
More than 100 helpers are needed to make the Race possible, both on the water providing safety and support cover, and ashore running the racing and assisting at the Strood to help get the boats get across the roadway. The organisers appreciate the patience of residents and visitors on this one day when you cannot escape acknowledging that Mersea is indeed an island.
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26.06.2010 - Ellisons sponsor EWT AGM 2010: CHRIS PACKHAM PRESENTS LIFE-TIME MEMBERSHIP TO VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE GIVEN 54 YEARS OF SERVICE TO CONSERVATION CHARITY
On Saturday 26 June, Chris Packham, will be hot footing it down from Springwatch to Essex Wildlife Trust's Annual Meeting to present life-time membership of Essex Wildlife Trust to two of its most hard-wording and diligent supporters.
Ray Tabor and Bob Hills between them have supported and volunteered for Essex Wildlife Trust for over 54 years! They have worked tirelessly for Essex Wildlife Trust and have always contributed above and beyond. Ray Tabor was Chairman of the Board of Trustees for many years, while Bob Hills has been Treasurer of Essex Wildlife Trust for the past 9 years. Both have held positions of extreme responsibility and have been very active Trustees before their roles as Chairman and Hon. Treasurer respectively.
However, their roles have not just been regarding the business side of the conservation charity. Both have a keen interest in wildlife and have somehow managed to fit in managing a nature reserve each. Ray Tabor is warden of Shadwell Wood, an ancient woodland of 17 acres and has almost single handedly been responsible for protecting and increasing the number of Oxlips within Essex. While Bob Hills has been warden of Fobbing marsh for many years.
Nearly 500 members have accepted their invitations to the Annual Members meeting, where Chris Packham, who has just finished Springwatch is to be the guest speaker!
Essex Wildlife Trust is really looking forward to Chris Packham's talk, as he is a enthusiastic wildlife ambassador and is extremely entertaining. The Trust are very grateful to Ellisons Solicitors and Epping Forest Burial Park for providing sponsorship to enable Chris to be the guest speaker.
John Hall, Director, Essex Wildlife Trust said:
"We are extremely grateful to Ellisons Solicitors and Epping Forest Burial Park for sponsoring our guest speaker, Chris Packham. I am sure that it will be a lively and interesting talk. We are also going to acknowledge two stalwarts of the Trust who have held really important positions and have volunteered with Essex Wildlife Trust for over 50 years!"
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03.06.2010 - Colchester United win as Norwich City breach regulation 20 - Ellisons Solicitors advise
Ellisons Solicitors have led Colchester United to yet another employment law win as the "U's" prove that they are no pushover when it comes to playing by the rules. In 2006 the Directors and Management of the Club took the bold step of obtaining a High Court injunction to ensure that all parties adhered to the correct protocol in terminating manager Phil Parkinson's contract, which still had almost a year to run, and happily after almost a further week's negotiation with Hull City, a sum of in the region of £400,000 compensation, plus the recovery of legal costs, was agreed.
Some four years later, Ellisons Partner Graeme Wallington was once again onside when Norwich City, having lost 7-1 to its East Anglian rivals on the opening day of the season, chose to breach Regulation 20 and illegally poach Colchester United's manager Paul Lambert and two members of his team.
This week, an independent Disciplinary Commission found in favour of Colchester United and the following statement was released by the Football League:
"A Football Disciplinary Commission has ruled that Norwich City must pay Colchester United £425,000 in compensation following their recruitment of manager Paul Lambert and his backroom team in August 2009.
"Norwich City were also fined £200,000 for breaching regulation 20 which forbids clubs from inducing other club's employees to break their contract of employment. The Commission suspended £125,000 of this fine for two years from the date of breach, payable in the event of a further breach of Regulation 20 by the club within that period, subject to the discretion of the tribunal dealing with any such breach.
The League Regulations permit either club to appeal."
Ellisons' Senior Partner, Peter Powell who is also a director of Colchester United and on the Football League's board of directors commented on the win:
"As a Solicitor and a Club director, I am delighted that this judgment sends out a warning to Clubs who think that the League's rules can be ignored. Norwich City clearly thought they could poach a rival team's manager without adequate negotiation or compensation; Colchester United and the independent commission have shown they could not. Whilst of course I respect the verdict of the independent commission, I share our chairman Robbie Cowling's view that whilst the compensation is very fair, we would have preferred a points deduction which would have been an even stronger deterrent for clubs who are tempted to follow Norwich City's lead in flouting the fundamental employment law principles of the game."
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21.05.2010 - HIPs suspended
Since 2007, sellers have been required to provide Home Information Packs (HIPs) when selling their residential properties. The contents of HIPs included property information, local searches and energy performance certificates (EPCs).
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has announced that it has laid an order before Parliament suspending the requirement for homeowners to provide HIPs when selling their homes, with effect from 21 May 2010. Primary legislation will be required to permanently abolish HIPs.
EPCs retained
Sellers will still be required to commission EPCs before marketing their properties. The DCLG has laid before Parliament the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010. The new regulations will impose:
- A new duty on the seller to commission an EPC before marketing the property. An EPC will be treated as commissioned when the seller:
- instructs an energy assessor to prepare an EPC; and
- has either paid for the EPC or given a clear undertaking to pay for it.
- A new duty on the person acting on behalf of the seller to be satisfied that an EPC has been commissioned before commencing marketing.
- A new duty on both the seller and a person acting on its behalf to make reasonable efforts to secure an EPC within 28 days.
- Fixed penalties for failure to comply with the new regulations.
Our View
Head of Residential Property Stephen Lansley comments:
" This is potentially good news for the property market. HIPS actually caused delays in some transactions and we hope that their suspension will give a boost to the market and encourage more people to sell. Investor sellers will, however, have to move quickly to sell properties as there is now a small period of time, before the introduction of higher Capital Gains Tax rates. We have already prepared for an initial surge in transactions across the whole market to ensure that we can offer our client's the most efficient and cost effective service possible."
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7.05.2010 - Local firms take part in first UK online auction buy
Representing a private Colchester based client, Fenn Wright estate agents and solicitors Ellisons have recently advised in connection with the acquisition of 40/42 East Hill, Colchester in the UK's first online real time auction. The property bought was one of three orthodontic surgeries investments in Colchester, Blackpool and Chelmsford.
The East Hill premises comprised an attractive Grade II Listed orthodontic surgery let to Orthoworld 2000 Limited for a lease term expiring 10th November 2019 at a passing rent of £15,000 per annum.
The sale was conducted through London auctioneers, Singer Vielle, in a legally binding interactive online process, and attracted five online bidders. The price achieved substantially exceeded the £195,000 guide price.
The Colchester orthodontic surgery was the first of the three properties to be offered, making it the first ever real time online auction lot to be sold in the UK.
Lewis Chambers, Commercial Property Partner at Fenn Wright, said: "We approached the sale process with a degree of apprehension as this is a new sales medium. But with the benefit of thorough due diligence and excellent support from Philip Roberts at Ellisons solicitors, the online process proved very user friendly, and offers an interesting alternative to traditional methods of sale".
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11.05.2010 - COLCHESTER’S ‘THIRTEEN’ WIN COUNTY AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG ENTERPRISE COMPANY – Ellisons act as sponsor
Thursday 6th May was not just Election Night – it was also the Young Enterprise County Finals at Shire Hall in Chelmsford. After a long and testing day and evening, the team from Colchester County High School – ‘Thirteen’ – was named as East of England Young Enterprise Company of the Year 2010 as a result of their successful financial, marketing, product development and presentational handling of their inspired healthy eating ‘Vegimat’.
The competition involved the five Essex Area Finalists setting up their trade stands at Shire Hall for the afternoon, discussing their product and company progress with local business executives and a panel of judges. ‘Thirteen’ had also put together a 10-page company report which was read in detail and analysed by the judges. In the evening, more businesses, general public and team supporters arrived to watch the formal presentations.
“It was quite a formidable event, but everyone in the team knows each other very well and we each have individual strengths and areas of expertise that we recognise and have used to make the company strong and effective and we have a product that is in serious demand – so we hoped that we were in with a chance, “ says ‘Thirteen’ Managing Director, Hayley Turner. “It was nerve-wracking but exciting to meet all these successful business people and it was an excellent opportunity to ask them questions and to learn how to develop the company and the product further. We also enjoyed meeting the other contestants and seeing their range of products and hearing about their experiences. The presentation went well, and our graphic designer, Shahrzad Horst, was particularly complimented afterwards on the professionalism of the Power Point she had created. It was fantastic and such an honour to win.”
‘Thirteen’, who have also just won the sponsorship of Ellisons Solicitors, is now continuing to develop the ‘Vegimat’ and still has orders pouring in from primary schools which are keen to use the table mat to encourage their pupils to take an active interest in healthy eating. Before the Regional Finals at Queen’s College, Cambridge, on 22nd June, ‘Thirteen’ will be following up interest from companies considering investment in the company and the ‘Vegimat’ and developing the product further by working closely with existing customers. The company website is www.cchs-thirteen.co.uk
The other teams were from The Appleton School, St Mark’s Catholic School, Westcliff High School for Girls, Tendering Technology College. CCHS also provided the winning company at the County Finals in 2009.
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8.04.2010 - Ellisons' John Bond retires after over 38 years in law in Clacton
John Bond has practised law in Station Road Clacton since 1974, albeit with a number of different business names on the office door. In March 1972 John started his articles with Michael Gordon-Jones of Jones & Son; 36 years later, as part of a merger, John found himself a member of leading Essex law firm Ellisons Solicitors with offices also in Colchester, Frinton and Dovercourt.
Last week the Ellisons team gathered at Franco's Italian restaurant to celebrate John's retirement and his 38 year career in the Essex seaside town
John, a Private Client solicitor specialising in all aspects of Private Client, including Property, Wills and Probate, and also a keen golfer was presented with vouchers for golfing equipment
Resident partner, Stephen Lansley said that "John will be missed not by only his colleagues but also by his many clients and contacts in and around Clacton. We are proud of John's achievements during his professional career spanning almost four decades and we promise we will continue his good work with the help of the recently restructured team."
Jerry Baldwin, also a long standing Solicitor and a colleague of John, will continue to deal with Wills, Probate and commercial work. Ellisons' recent investment in Clacton has included the reallocation of two partners to be based in the Clacton office - Stephen Lansley who leads the Firm's Residential Conveyancing department and Stuart Connal, a Family Law specialist.
The last word, should of course be John's:
"It is difficult deciding when to retire but I'm pleased to be doing so on a high note. The merger with Ellisons, now two years ago, has meant that I leave my practice in the capable hands of colleagues both old and new. I look forward to observing both Ellisons and Clacton continuing to thrive over the coming years."
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5.04.2010 - Mill Five Acre wins the prize!
Ellisons Solicitors and its Rural Affairs team were pleased to support the Point-To-Point Races at Marks Tey on Monday 5th April 2010 by sponsoring the first race.
Philip Roberts presented the prize to Tina Hayward owner of the winning horse Mill Five Acre (photo)
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17.03.2010 - 2nd ANNUAL COLCHESTER PROPERTY CONFERENCE
On Thursday 11 March, over 150 delegates with a professional interest in the property sector attended a breakfast seminar at the Weston Homes Community Stadium in Colchester. Jointly organised by a trio of local advisers - Ellisons Solicitors, Fenn Wright Estate Agents and PKF Accountants & Business Advisers - for the second year running, the guest speaker was Phil Eckersley, Agent for the Bank of England in the Bank's South East & East Anglia region. Guy Longhurst, Property Partner at Ellisons chaired the event. Lewis Chambers, Fenn Wright Partner talked about the imminent revaluation of business premises for rating purposes and prospects for the local property market whilst Peter Harrup, Tax Partner at PKF concluded the seminar by looking at property related tax issues.
Key speaker Phil Eckersley gave a balanced view on the outlook for the UK economy based on the recently published Bank of England Inflation Report. He explained that the near-term outlook was for inflation to rise as the restoration of the standard rate of VAT to 17 ½% and higher petrol prices impact on the CPI measure of inflation. Further ahead, the degree of spare capacity in the economy was likely to bear down on inflation, bringing it below the 2% target. Although the economy may now be growing again, the contraction in GDP meant a significant amount of output had been lost since the crisis began.
An audience poll suggested that most delegates were starting to see some "Green Shoots" in their business dealings. This result was further supported in the feedback questionnaire in which 71% indicated that they were feeling more positive this year about the property sector than last year and 66% thought that residential values would increase over the next 12 months. Opinion is, however, more divided with regard to commercial property where only 44% expected commercial property values to rise over the next year.
The organisers were happy that the event had achieved their objectives:
Guy Longhurst commented: "Property has always been the barometer for testing economic temperature. The sector was in recession for at least twelve months before everyone else but today has given us some comfort that the residential property market has improved significantly over the past 12 months. The commercial property market entered into recession after the residential market and is still very difficult. It is helpful for our clients to be well informed with regards to the local and national markets and today, with the Bank of England's help, I think we have definitely achieved that"
Lewis Chambers is equally buoyant: "In this region there are a large number of homeowners who remain confident of their employment prospects and who see this as a good time to move house. With interest rates set to remain at, or close to, current levels for at least this calendar year, we anticipate a relatively stable marketplace during 2010."
Peter Harrup was also delighted with the response to the event but tempers any excessive optimism with a note of caution. "Returns on property investment are being squeezed at the current time. It is therefore more important than ever that families structure their affairs as tax efficiently as possible, with a view to maximising these returns."
This is the second year running that the trio of advisers have invited a key speaker to share views with their clients and contacts in the Property sector. It is now an established annual event.
SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 2011 COLCHESTER PROPERTY CONFERENCE
The Colchester Property Conference at the Weston Homes Community Stadium is now an established annual event. Next year it is planned for April 2011. Attendance is by invitation only. If you would like us to invite you next year please send your contact details (name/organisation/tel no and email address) to Louise.Russell@Ellisonslegal.com
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16.03.2010 - Ellisons' Rural Affairs Team Support The Granta Harriers Hunt Point-To-Point Races
The Rural Affairs team at Ellisons was pleased to support The Granta Harriers Hunt Point-To-Point Races at Higham by sponsoring “THE LADIES OPEN RACE” for the Chester Challenge Trophy.
The meeting on the 21st February was abandoned but successfully rescheduled for the 6th March 2010. Tom McPhie presented the prize to the owners of winning horse Scotland Yard.
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10.03.2010 - Ellisons introduces fixed fee divorce in line with expanding team
There have been a number of recent developments within the Family team at Ellisons Solicitors:
- Jon Armstrong takes up the reins as Head of Department following the retirement of former Head, Patsy Phillips;
- partner Stuart Connal, who joined the Firm as a result of the October merger with Marshal Legal, is now based in Clacton, which means the office can offer advice on divorce and other Family matters for the first time;
- The team across its office, Colchester, Clacton, Dovercourt and Frinton, has introduced a Fixed Fee divorce (click here for more information), believed to be a first for the Region. (Petitioner - £1,000 including VAT, Respondent - £550).
Newly appointed Department Head Jon Armstrong is delighted to start his tenure with such significant developments:
"Ellisons has more offices on the Tendring peninsula than any other solicitors. We have always been able to look after our Family clients from Colchester and Frinton, but with Stuart now in Clacton, we have specialist Family expertise in three offices with the capability, if arranged in advance, to meet with clients in our fourth location- Dovercourt.
It is about responding to client needs and that means being able to meet them when and where best suits them. The introduction of Fixed Fees is also significant. Those who qualify for legal aid funding is relatively small but the majority of our clients are concerned about cost and the control of those costs. We believe the Fixed Fee format gives them this reassurance at a time of great emotional upheaval"
There are now five Family specialists at the North Essex Law Firm.
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2.02.2010 - Help for Haiti: Colchester Rotary Club and Shelterboxes
Colchester Rotary Club President Len Nieuwenhuis is seen receiving cheques from 3 local businesses of £500 each: Ellisons Solicitors, James and Lindsay Insurance Brokers and DCH Construction, as well as over £1,000 collected at the Rugby Club on Saturday 23 January, over £600 collected at the Mayor of Colchester's recent charity events, an anonymous donation of £500, and £450 raised from Rotary Club members personal donations.
Rotary ShelterBoxes are being rushed out to Haiti, to provide shelter for thousands affected by the recent earthquake. The ShelterBox project was started by Rotarian Tom Henderson of the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard, Cornwall, and now operates in 8 countries. 2,000 boxes have already gone out, and a further 1800 were sent out on Friday 29 January.
Each ShelterBox contains a durable 10-person tent, sleeping bags or bedlinen for 10, feeding and cooking equipment - including a multi-fuel cooker, useful tools, some childrens' toys - and water purification equipment.
Each box costs £500. The Colchester Club has already forwarded £2,000 from Club funds, together with £700 from the Interact Club at the Colchester County High School for Girls. The fresh funds bring the Rotary Club of Colchester's contribution to the rotary ShelterBox appeal for Haiti to £6,000. This latest funding will provide a further seven ShelterBoxes.
Colchester Rotary President Len Nieuwenhuis said, "As Rotary President, and a former President of the Rugby Club, I am delighted that these donations have come together to enable us to support this splendid initiative. We are not all able to go out and help, but we are able to provide some comfort to those so badly affected"
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13.11.2009 - Robert John and Zeenat Pasha - Newly Qualified Solicitors at Ellisons
Ellisons Solicitors in Colchester is pleased to announce that both Robert John and Zeenat Pasha have completed their training periods and are now qualified solicitors with the Firm.
Robert John, who joined Ellisons in 2007, qualified on the 1st November. For the final part of his training period he has specialised in Personal Injury and is now a permanent member of the growing Insurance Litigation team headed up by partner Robert Jones. Robert John attended Southend High School for Boys before studying law at the University of East Anglia.
Zeenat Pasha started her training contract with Marshall Legal in September 2007, qualifying in September 2009. She joined Ellisons as part of a merger on 1st October 2009 and is now part of the Private Client team specialising in Wills & Probate. Zeenat studied law at the University of Essex
Senior Partner Peter Powell is delighted that the two newly qualified lawyers are staying with the Firm:
"Ellisons Solicitors has always taken graduate recruitment very seriously. We are proud of our retention record and the fact that over half the current partners started their careers as trainees with the Firm. Having proven themselves as Trainee Solicitors, both Robert and Zeenat have shown us that they have the right blend of intellect and initiative to be part of Ellisons' future."
Also in September 2009, Natalie Andrews started her training contract with Ellisons as a member of the Insurance Litigation team. Natalie, who also has a law degree from the University of Essex had been with the firm for six months working as a paralegal prior to starting the training contract.
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1.10.2009 - Marshall Legal and Ellisons merger
On the 1st October 2009, Ellisons merged with Marshall Legal in Colchester, reinforcing the position of Ellisons as one of the most prominent providers of legal services in the region. The merger decision came just a year after the firm attracted PTL Solicitors to unite their respective practices. The combined firm, which is known as Ellisons, has 23 partners and approximately 25 other lawyers. It now offers greater strength across all practice areas but in particular: Property, Civil Litigation, Private Client and Family
Ellisons' Senior Partner, Peter Powell, is delighted that Marshall Legal, which has a history almost as long as that of Ellisons, has joined forces: "Marshall Legal has roots in Colchester going back to 1829 and Ellisons has evidence of beginning at least sixty years earlier. Such a solid historic foundation is important but much more pertinent is the fact that we believe we have a strong future together.
Marshall's former Senior Partner Charles Penfold is equally positive. "Choosing the right partners is always important but must be more so when we were making such a significant move. This merger reflects our mutual confidence that the Marshall practice fits well with Ellisons' plans for the future and the new combined firm will provide a strong platform from which to further develop our business and service the needs of our clients"
This merger reflects the commitment of both firms to growth, achieved through a combination of organic development and strategic mergers. The vision of the newly merged firm reflects the desire of each merger partner to focus on commercial work, particularly through the Colchester office but still maintain a strong private client base. The combined firm will offer greater strength across all practice areas but in particular: Property, Civil Litigation, Private Client and Family.
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11.09.2009 - Ellisons' Mergers Highlighted as Essex Firm Maintains Strong Profile
This year's Legal 500 research highlights the success of Ellisons merger with PTL Solicitors and the firm's acquisition of Suffolk-base law firm Wanham Longhurst. The Essex firm, which has offices in Colchester, Clacton, Dovercourt and Frinton, continues with its growth strategy as it merges with Colchester-based Marshalls Legal next month.
Ellisons is perceived as a constant player in the Legal 500 research, consistently being ranked in the key practice areas of Commercial Property; Corporate and Commercial; Commercial Litigation; Employment; Private Client and Family. In all these categories the researchers compare Ellisons favourably with other firms in Essex. In addition Ellisons performs well in the more focused disciplines of Property Litigation, Planning and Insurance/Personal Injury even though the research tables for these practice areas are not sub-divided by county but instead cover the densely populated South East of England.
The research which is based on client and contact interviews published the following client quotes in highlighting individuals and practices this year:
- Graeme Wallington is "noted for his civil litigation expertise, particularly in relation to employment and property-related disputes."
- Jayne Scott 'is highly committed and has proved invaluable in resolving employment issues'.
- Property Litigation Head and newly made partner Lee Pearce is praised for being 'tenacious and practical'.
- Commercial Property partner Andrew Tilsley, (who joined as a result of the PTL merger), is acknowledged for strengthening the team.
- Corporate and Commercial: 'A friendly firm with experts in key aspects of law'
- Family, which is ranked in the top tier again this year, received praise for its 'wide breadth of knowledge'. particularly in relation to advice given to farming clients and family owned businesses.
Ellisons' partners consider that the breadth of the firm's practice and areas of expertise are well reflected in the entries. It is also felt that the research results reflect and acknowledge the success of Ellisons' strategy for steady growth, achieved through a combination of organic development and strategic mergers.
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10.09.2009 - Legal 500
Published for over twenty years, the Legal 500 Series provides the most comprehensive worldwide coverage currently available on legal services providers, in over 100 countries.
Used by commercial and private clients, corporate counsel, CEOs, FDs and professional advisers - as well as by other referrers of work both nationally and internationally - the series is widely regarded as offering the definitive judgement of law firm capabilities
Ellisons is researched in the section which covers the South East of England, excluding London. The borders are roughly Southampton to the south, Milton Keynes to the north, Newbury to the west and the Kent/Essex coastline to the east. In the absence of a single dominant urban centre, the South East is a patchwork of different legal markets, which we have divided into five sub-regions: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40; Kent, Surrey, Sussex; Hampshire; Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middlesex; and Essex.
What the directory says about Ellisons - September 2009
The Firm is listed under seven categories:
Corporate and commercial: Essex
Tables: Ellisons is listed in the third tier - same as last year
'A friendly firm with experts in key aspects of law', Ellisons acts predominantly for SMEs and financial institutions. The firm recently merged with Colchester-based PTL Solicitors and also took on sole practitioner Wanham Longhurst & Co.
Commercial litigation: Essex
Tables: Ellisons is listed in the third tier - same as last year
Ellisons' Graeme Wallington is noted for his civil litigation expertise, particularly in relation to employment and property-related disputes.
Employment Essex
Tables: Ellisons is listed in the second tier - same as last year
Ellisons provides ongoing employment advice to local businesses, including Colchester United FC. Jayne Scott 'is highly committed and has proved invaluable in resolving employment issues'.
Family: Essex
Tables: Ellisons is listed in the top tier - joint first for Essex- same as last year
Ellisons receives praise for its 'wide breadth of knowledge', particularly in advice to farming clients and family-owned businesses.
Personal tax, trusts and probate: Essex
Tables: Ellisons is listed in the third tier - same as last year
Ellisons has been acting in a high-profile probate matter relating to the estate of the Queen Mother's butler.
Commercial property: Essex
Tables: Ellisons is listed in the third tier - same as last year
Ellisons has an 'efficient, accurate and helpful' real estate team, which was strengthened by the arrival of Andrew Tilsley following the firm's merger with PTL Solicitors. Clients include HR Owen Plc and Colchester United Football Club.
Property litigation: South East
Tables: Ellisons is listed in the third tier - same as last year
- it is the highest ranked firm for Essex with only two other Essex firms listed
Clients praise the 'tenacious and practical' group head Lee Pearce at Ellisons
Personal injury - claimant : South East
- one of only three firms listed for Colchester and of four for Essex
Planning : South East
Tables: Ellisons is listed in the fourth tier - same as last year
- the only two firms listed for Colchester and of three for Essex
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1.09.2009 - Two Partner appointments at Ellisons as Legal Services Act recognises alternative business structures
Ellisons Solicitors is pleased to announce that Robert Jones and Lee Pearce are now fully recognised as partners with the Firm. Lee Pearce's appointment came into effect on the 1st July 2009; Robert Jones who has enjoyed partner status for several years was welcomed to the equity partnership on 1st September 2009.
Senior Partner Peter Powell, is delighted with these recent developments:
"Both Robert and Lee have been star performers and key contributors to the firm's strong reputation in their respective areas of property and insurance. I am delighted that the alternative business structures and in particular, the Multidisciplinary Practices (MDP), now sanctioned by the Legal Services Act, allows lawyers trained via the Legal Executive route to become partners. It is a status that both have enjoyed and deserved in all but name but we are pleased to now be able to officially call them "partners"."
Lee, who has been with Ellisons Solicitors since 1994, is Head of Property Litigation and a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives. He is recognised as a leading individual in his field by both the key annual legal research publications, Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. Lee specialises in all aspects of commercial and residential landlord and tenant and property law including advisory work, representation in Civil Courts, Arbitration, Mediation and other forums for resolving property related disputes.
Robert, who heads up the Insurance Litigation practice, has been with the firm since 1973. He leads a large and expanding team of experienced lawyers, instructed predominantly by insurers. Robert specialises in high value traumatic injury and commercial loss litigation. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.
The appointments take the number of partners at this leading Essex law firm to nineteen.
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21.07.2009 - West Mersea Yacht Club's Round Island Race 2009 - Sponsor Ellisons Solicitors goes round again
Ellisons Solicitors is sponsoring West Mersea Yacht Club's annual 'Round the Island' Race, for the third year running.
Well over a hundred dinghies and small boats of all shapes and sizes are expected to circumnavigate the Island in this West Mersea Yacht Club organised race, which takes place this year on Wednesday the 19th August, mid-way through Mersea Week.
Entries close on Wednesday12th August, after which time competitors will be watching the weather in order to plan their strategies which importantly includes the option to choose which way around the island to sail. Crews decide at the last moment whether to go clockwise or anti-clockwise around the Island, crossing the Strood with the help of the friends and family.
Ellisons partner Seamus Clifford is not racing this year, having being "persuaded" into acting as one of the race officials, but others competing from the North Essex firm include Tim Logan, Louise Bland and Ceri Rogers.
Seamus explains why Ellisons are more than happy to continue with their support of this annual event:
"Many of our Firm, including myself, live on the island, as do a number of our clients. The island community is important to us and how better to demonstrate our commitment than to continue with the sponsorship of this unique event. It is a wonderful family occasion and an opportunity to celebrate how very privileged we are to live and work in this very beautiful coastal location."
More than 100 helpers are needed to make the Race possible, both on the water providing safety and support cover, and ashore running the racing and assisting at the Strood to help get the boats get across the roadway. The organisers appreciate the patience of residents and visitors on this one day when you cannot escape acknowledging that Mersea is indeed an island.
UPDATE: Download these two pdfs to see our own roving reporter giving her account of the day: Page 1 Page 2
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1.07.2009 - Ellisons launches Rural Affairs Team as it steps up its support for Tendring Hundred Show
North Essex law firm, Ellisons, has been a long-term supporter of the annual Tendring Hundred Show but this year, with the launch of its specialist team focussing on rural issues, it has increased its support to sponsor the Art Show.
Tim Logan, Head of Private Client and leading the Rural Affairs Team explains why:
"Clients in the rural community have always been important to us and so this is not so much about a new service but an opportunity to improve our focus. The merger with PTL in May 2008 made us the law firm with the greatest spread of offices on the Tendring peninsula and the imminent merger with Marshall Legal will continue to increase our service in the Private Client sector. Looking more strategically at what more we can offer our rural based clients is a logical step and where better to confirm our commitment to this community than by having a greater presence at this year's premier agricultural event in Essex."
The core Rural Affairs team is made up of lawyers from Private client, Corporate, Litigation, Property and Planning. Other members of the Firm will also be involved
(Photo L to R: Lee Pearce, Ceri Rogers, Louise Bland, Tim Logan, Tom McPhie)
Sponsorship includes hosting a preview party on the evening of Friday 10th July and having a presence in the art marquee throughout the show, which takes place at Lawford House Park, Nr Manningtree, Essex.
Visitors to Ellisons' stand will be invited to take part in a prize draw to win a hamper of regional produce.
Ellisons has continued with its countryside theme in the announcement of its choice of annual charity to support. For 2009/10, members of the firm will be encouraged to focus fundraising efforts on the Essex Wildlife Trust, the county's leading conservation charity.
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15.05.2009 - Ellisons to merge with Marshall Legal
Ellisons is to merge with Marshall Legal in Colchester reinforcing the position of the Essex Solicitors firm as one of the most prominent providers of legal services in the region. The merger decision comes just a year after the firm attracted PTL Solicitors to unite their respective practices. The combined firm, which will be known as Ellisons will have 23 partners and approximately 25 other lawyers.
Discussions, which have been on going for some months, came to fruition this week with the signing of an agreement between the two firms.
Ellisons' Senior Partner, Peter Powell, is delighted that Marshall Legal, which has a history almost as long as that of Ellisons, is to join forces: "Marshall Legal has roots in Colchester going back to 1829 and Ellisons has evidence of beginning at least sixty years earlier. Such a solid historic foundation is important but much more pertinent is the fact that we believe we have a strong future together."
Marshall's Senior Partner Charles Penfold is equally positive. "Choosing the right partners is always important but must be more so when we are making such a significant move. This agreement reflects our mutual confidence that the Marshall practice will fit well with Ellisons' plans for the future and the combined firm will provide a strong platform from which to further develop our business and service the needs of our clients"
This merger reflects the commitment of both firms to growth, achieved through a combination of organic development and strategic mergers. The vision of the newly merged firm reflects the desire of each merger partner to focus on commercial work, particularly through the Colchester office but still maintain a strong private client base. The combined firm will offer greater strength across all practice areas but in particular: Property, Civil Litigation, Private Client and Family.
The merger is anticipated to take effect in the late summer.
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6.5.2009 - COLCHESTER PROPERTY CONFERENCE - BANK OF ENGLAND REALISTIC PERSPECTIVE APPRECIATED
On Thursday 30 April, over 160 delegates with a professional interest in the property sector attended a breakfast seminar at the Weston Homes Community Stadium. Jointly organised by a trio of local advisers - Ellisons Solicitors, Fenn Wright Estate Agents and PKF Accountants & Business Advisers - the guest speaker was Phil Eckersley, Agent for the Bank of England in the Bank's South East & East Anglia region.
Phil Eckersley acknowledged that many in the room would be hoping for some "shreds of comfort" in his presentation but tempered any excessive optimism by balancing the fact that while there had been some credit easing, the overall view of City commentators on the economic outlook was still fairly gloomy.
Acknowledging some positive signs such as the modest improvement in the housing market, the bottoming out of the mortgage products sector and the opportunities for other lenders to plug the gap now that 30% of the secured lending market had withdrawn, Mr Eckersley warned that synchronised downturn in GDP was still happening. With some commentators now predicting a pick up by 2010, he cautioned that whilst things were negative, there had been a substantial monetary policy response by the Bank of England through interest rate cuts and Quantitative Easing and there were now some signs that the economy was no longer deteriorating.
Guy Longhurst, Property Partner at Ellisons chaired the event. Andrew Crayston, Fenn Wright's Senior Partner examined the effects on the downturn in Property and Peter Harrup, Tax Partner at PKF concluded the seminar by looking at property related tax issues.
The organisers were happy that the event had achieved their objectives:
Andrew Crayston explains, "As a sector we have suffered from increasingly widespread misinformation that spreads like wildfire across the internet. So what we wanted to achieve from inviting Phil Eckersley to speak to us was - 'don't believe the stats, hear it from the frontline! - and I think that is indeed what we achieved today'
Guy Longhurst was equally positive with the day. "What people outside the sector sometimes forget is that the media has been crying "credit crunch" for just over a year but Property has been in recession for at least twelve months longer. We go in first but hopefully emerge first. That position has a degree of responsibility attached, particularly when advising clients. Part of that responsibility must be to keep them well informed."
Peter Harrup who had spearheaded the initiative was delighted was delighted with the response to the event. "The property sector is key to the local economy and we can see from the record turnout for this event that it is a subject of huge concern to the business community."
Delegates were asked to complete a feedback form which included a mini survey on issues touched on in the seminar. From a sample of 55 delegates:
- 48% felt "more positive about the property sector now than in six months ago"
- 31% "expect the property market to return to growth within the next 12 months"; 34.5% were undecided and another 34.5% thought "no"
- 53% thought the Government should be doing more to stimulate the property sector
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01.03.2009 - Clacton Pier
Ellisons Solicitors are advising the Harrison family, owners of Clacton Pier since 1994, on its sale to a newly formed company backed by a consortium of investors.
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