News: Taylor&Emmet invests in new Rotherham office

Expanding Sheffield solicitors, Taylor&Emmet LLP, has opened its new office in the heart of Rotherham.

One of the leading and most successful law firms in the South Yorkshire and Derbyshire region, Taylor&Emmet provides legal advice to business and private clients with current branches in Sheffield, Dronfield and Bakewell.

Rothbiz reported last month that office space at the heart of the historic High Street in Rotherham town centre was being readied for the law firm. 15 High Street was previously used by The Source and Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce.

The investment is part of the local solicitors' ambitious growth plans and takes its number of offices in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire to five.

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The new Rotherham office is home to residential conveyancing and family law teams, including mediation and childcare specialists. The firm's full range of business and personal legal services will be accessible, however, as space is available for members of other departments to meet clients by appointment.

For the heads of the conveyancing and family teams, Neil Riley and Michaela Heathcote, opening a Rotherham office has particular significance, as they both grew up in the town.

Neil (pictured, third right), who still lives locally, said: "I am excited to be making Taylor&Emmet's unique range of customer-focused legal services available in a convenient location for my fellow Rotherham residents. It is no secret the town centre has faced a number of challenges during recent years, but there seems to be a renewed sense of optimism, following record investment in the borough. I am really pleased we are contributing to its future development."

Taylor&Emmet website

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News: Dishonest Rotherham solicitor struck off

The actions of a partner which closed down a 125-year-old Rotherham solicitors has seen him struck off from the legal profession after a tribunal heard of acts of dishonesty, misappropriation and concealment.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which regulates more than 130,000 solicitors in England and Wales, stepped in and closed down the operations of Gichard & Co last year after an investigation into Charles Rhodes, senior partner, found that "there was reason to suspect dishonesty."

The recently published tribunal hearing shows how Rhodes, admitted to the roll of solicitors in 1991, had overcharged a client when dealing with executing a will, by over £250,000.

Investigators found a further nine cases where a total of £69,000 had been withdrawn in respect of costs for which no bills had been raised.

The first allegation involved the dealing with an estate where a total of £437,125 had been transferred from the client account to the office account but the final bill was only £170,250. Attending the tribunal in person, Rhodes was asked whether he would regard it as honest or dishonest for a solicitor to take more than three times the amount in costs that he regarded as reasonable. He replied that it was "hard to escape the conclusion, looking at it now, that it was dishonest."

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At the time however Rhodes said that he had been under considerable pressure relating to matters in his personal life as well as his own health and that he was operating on "autopilot" and was not thinking at all. The Tribunal found that the amount of money was so significant that it could not simply be regarded as overbilling.

In the case, the principal beneficiary was only 16 at the time and a beneficiary of the estate later raised concerns over the costs and instructed another solicitor to get on the case. The estate in this case was repaid in full in May 2016, the other estates had not.

The tribunal also heard that Rhodes went on to create a false client account ledger together with false bills to substantiate the entries in the ledger and concluded that this was to deceive the investigating solicitors and the regulators in order to conceal his wrongdoing in respect of the misappropriation.

Rhodes told the tribunal that he had been "manifestly stupid" and that he would always regret his actions. He agreed that he had been a "monumental fool" and for that he had taken responsibility. He added that he had no intention of returning to the legal profession.

The tribunal concluded: "This was far from an isolated incident. The misconduct had taken place on an ongoing basis over a period of 12 years during which time estates had been repeatedly and deliberately overcharged, funds had been misappropriated and concealment had followed.

"The misconduct was at the highest level and the only appropriate sanction was a Strike Off. The protection of the public and of the reputation of the profession demanded nothing less."

SRA website

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News: Solicitors support hospice Make A Will Scheme

Where there's a will, there's a way to support Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, thanks to a month long initiative at local solicitors, Malcolm C Foy & Co.

Based at North Anston in Rotherham, Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood. It has to raise over £3m each year to continue its work, and receives less than 5% statutory funding.

Throughout February, Malcolm C Foy & Co, with offices in Doncaster and Rotherham, is joining with other local solicitors and taking part in Bluebell Wood's Make A Will Scheme. This means that you can have your will professionally drawn up for the cost of £75 for a single will, or £120 for mirror wills, and Malcolm C Foy & Co will donate the whole fee paid by you to Bluebell Wood.

It is estimated that 30 million adults in the UK who do not have a will so the solicitors are calling on them to bite the bullet and get their affairs in order, and at the same time support the brilliant work of Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

Sarah Hartley, director at Malcolm C Foy & Co, said: "We are really proud to be supporting Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice again this year by taking part in the Make A Will Scheme. Ensuring your final wishes are made clear and legally recognised is the best gift for your family, and if you can do some good for a fantastic charity at the same time then your really can't lose."

Malcolm C Foy & Co is a member of the Law Society's Wills & Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS), which provides a best practice quality mark for wills and estate administration advice that consumers can trust.

Malcolm C Foy & Co website
Bluebell Wood website

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News: Malcolm C Foy and the season of good wills

A will drafted by a solicitor is the best Christmas gift for your loved ones, according to local law firm Malcolm C Foy & Co.

With offices in Doncaster and Rotherham, Malcolm C Foy & Co is using the festive season to call on the estimated 30 million adults in the UK who do not have a will to put legally drafting their final wishes at the top of the to-do list this Christmas.


Malcolm C Foy & Co is a member of the Law Society's Wills & Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS), which  provides a best practice quality mark for wills and estate administration advice that consumers can trust.

The firm is also reminding co-habiting couples who are not married or in a civil partnership, that they have the most to lose if they die without a will. Government statistics point to more than one million unmarried couples with dependent children living in the UK and recent changes to the rules around who inherits what have strengthened the position of married spouses and civil partners, but left the position of cohabiting couples unchanged. Only partners who are married or in a civil partnership can inherit under these intestacy rules.

Sarah Hartley, director at Malcolm C Foy & Co, said: "For many people, the festive season is all about spending time with loved ones so we urge people to reflect on that this Christmas and think how they would feel if you died and they received nothing.

"No one likes to think too carefully about their own demise, but ensuring your final wishes are made clear and legally recognised is the best gift for your family this Christmas.

"You can return those awful socks and loud jumper to the shop and get a refund, but there's no going back if you die without a will."

Malcolm C Foy & Co website

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News: Solicitor's warning over equal pay ruling

A recent legal case for equal pay could impact on small businesses according to Rotherham solicitors Oxley & Coward.

The case in question involved 251 classroom and nursery assistants comparing their terms of employment with male manual workers (refuse collectors and groundsmen). The men were paid substantial bonuses on top of their basic pay and the women claimed paying such bonuses to men doing jobs of 'equal value' was discriminatory.

When the case reached the Supreme Court, the judges ruled the tribunal's approach was exactly right and that whether or not it was feasible for the men to work in the same workplace as the women was irrelevant.

Having won the right to compare themselves with their male counterparts at other sites, the way is now open for the women to establish their work was of 'equal value' to those men they chose to compare themselves with. While another triumph for equal pay, the ruling could well impact on pay settlements in other sectors - with small businesses the most vulnerable.

Recommended reading: 4 Crucial Steps for Handling Small Business Redundancies Without Facing a Tribunal

Amy Cusworth, employment law specialist at Oxley & Coward, said: "The decision should be seen as a warning for all businesses to take a long hard look at their attitude to pay. Clearly it is now going to be a dangerous approach to favour one employee over another, thinking such things are private, when as this case shows, the reality is they rarely are.

"Having a pay policy that withstands transparency is going to be the safest route for the future. If the policy you have fails this test, then now might be the right time to start reviewing your approach to equal pay."

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News: Presidential visit for Rotherham solicitor

President of the Law Society, Lucy Scott-Moncrieff paid a recent visit to Rotherham solicitor, Oxley & Coward to hear about their innovative approach to the challenges brought about following changes made to Legal Aid, and to find out more about the firm's "Pay as You Go" initiative.

Dating back to 1825, the Law Society represents solicitors in England and Wales, offering training and advice, lobbying the government and promoting the profession. The president has been on a mission to gather good ideas and best practice, in order to share her findings with other legal practitioners.

The controversial changes to Legal Aid have been at the forefront of many minds in the legal profession and the president was keen to learn more about Oxley & Coward's novel approach to tackling the issue.

From April 1, Legal Aid was reserved for the most serious cases, forcing everyone else to find a way of funding the legal services they need or go it alone. Oxley & Coward has been determined to come up with a solution; and while nothing can replace Legal Aid for those facing divorce and child contact arrangements, the firm has devised a Pay as You Go scheme in an attempt to bridge the gap.

Sarah Scott, partner and head of the family department at Oxley & Coward, said: "Our approach to Legal Aid has been described as "unbundling", but after our meeting, Lucy and I agreed to refer to it as Pay as You Go, as it's a description the public is familiar with and can more easily relate to.

"Lucy seemed really interested in what we are doing to assist those clients who can no longer rely on Legal Aid and we are delighted she thought our scheme worth discussing in person and her visit was much appreciated. It demonstrates that matters of great legal importance like this are not just discussed in London."

"On behalf of Oxley & Coward and Rotherham, it was my pleasure to welcome the Law Society President to South Yorkshire. The visit was always intended to be low-key and informal, yet Lucy and I had a very constructive meeting concerning the changes to Legal Aid, while still finding time to show the President around the town and sample some Yorkshire hospitality with tea and cakes at Sophisticakes on the High Street."

The Oxley & Coward Family Department undertakes a wide variety of legal work and is currently the largest family department in Rotherham. Colin Musgrave has recently been promoted to associate solicitor in the department.

Oxley & Coward website

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News: New commercial appointment at Oxley & Coward

Abigail Watson has joined Oxley & Coward as the Rotherham solicitors' new company commercial solicitor, taking over from Rebecca Stopford in April.

An already impressive career has seen Abigail work at City firm DLA Piper for several years, where she specialised in non contentious company and commercial law matters prior to joining Oxley & Coward and has considerable experience of working on business asset and share sale and purchases and other business transactions common to the practice of commercial law.


"It's an exciting time to be joining Oxley and Coward and I am really looking forward to the challenge," said Abby (pictured) when commenting on her appointment. "The firm obviously has a very long history, but there is a very forward looking attitude here too which businesses can relate to and I'm looking forward to meeting the local business community and playing my part in continuing to deliver the high standards of service they have come to expect from us."

Peter Hedley, practice manager at Oxley & Coward, said: "We are delighted to be able to welcome Abigail to the team. The role of company commercial solicitor is a key one for the practice and Abby's City experience is going to be a big advantage for us and our clients."

Abigail will be able to advise Oxley & Coward clients on a wide variety of commercial law matters, including business acquisitions, company formations, reorganisations and restructuring, together with joint ventures, partnership agreements, shareholder agreements and commercial contracts where Abigail's experience will prove invaluable.

"Oxley & Coward always recruit the very best people the profession has to offer and securing the talents of a solicitor of Abby's calibre is always pleasing," added Peter. "The clients we currently serve have come to rely on our professional and experienced service and Abigail's appointment demonstrates in a way no one can miss that our ambitions for the practice and our clients remain as high as ever."

Abigail will get the chance to meet with members of the local business community as Oxley & Coward host its next Business Breakfast networking event on May 16.

Oxley & Coward website

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News: Rotherham's newest Freemen

Lieutenant Commander Allen Dixon, Brian Chapple and Stephen Smith, MBE, are set to become Honorary Freemen of Rotherham.

Elected Members of the Council recently agreed that arrangements should be made to admit them in recognition of their eminent service to the borough.

Northumberland-born Brian Chapple has lived and worked in Rotherham since 1969. He started his career as a teacher at Wickersley Comprehensive School and then Old Hall Comprehensive School. He then held a number of positions at Rotherham Council including education adviser and OFSTED inspector and went on to become the independent chair of The Rotherham Partnership.

From 2001, Brian's career focused on the Rotherham Rugby club where he worked as chief executive, and he was instrumental in establishing the Titans Community Foundation.

Rotherham United appointed Brian as their new community director in 2011 as they looked to maximise the community aspects of their new stadium but Brian left the role after suffering from ill health later that year. Brian was already well know to Rotherham United fans through his work as a commentator for Radio Sheffield from 1982-2004 ("Everybody's gone mad, I've gone mad, the fans are on the pitch, who blames them"). He is currently working on details for Paul Warne's testimonial.

Brian also joined Full Circle Learning as chairman in November 2010. Full Circle works with a number of partners in the town to provide training opportunities for young people in areas such as construction, security and IT. Partners include Lifeskills, Morrison plc and Rotherham United.

Steve D Smith, MBE is a criminal lawyer at Wilford Smith Solicitors in Rotherham town centre and is famed for his high profile cases, after-dinner speaking and charity work. Sheffield-born Steve aspired for a life in showbusiness but was drawn to the theatre of the courtroom and worked at local solicitors whilst studying for his legal exams. He moved to Rotherham in 1971 despite being told that "it was so rough even the kids played conkers with hammers" and grew to like it and its people.

In 1981 he set up Wilford Smith with friend, Steve Wilford, specialising in fraud and environmental cases, together with serious crime, such as murder, manslaughter and drug related offences. The firm went on to attract high profile clients including the late Adam Faith, the boxer Prince Naseem Hamed, and Rotherham peer, Lord Ahmed. With plenty of stories to tell, Steve has become a successful author and after dinner speaker.


The self-confessed workaholic is also involved in several local charities (raising an estimated £2-4m) including being chairman of the SAFE@Last charity that provides refuges for abused children. Steve was awarded the MBE in 2006 for services to Rotherham and South Yorkshire charities.

For over 50 years, Commander Dixon has organised both the Remembrance Day and Mayor's Parades through Rotherham town centre. Since 1958 and even after his retirement in 2012, he has organised and planned the two annual parades, that often involve hundreds of people.

Wilford Smith website
Rotherham Council website

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News: Sheffield Law Society offers help to former Atteys clients

The Sheffield & District Law Society is offering free help to all former clients of Atteys in tracing documents held by the firm, following the closure earlier this month.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) stepped in to close down the South Yorkshire firm with John Owen of Gordons LLP appointed to act as the SRA's intervention agent.

At its peak, Atteys employed more than 300 legal professionals throughout South Yorkshire, and operated from 14 locations including Wath-upon-Dearne and Rotherham town centre. The firm acquired numerous local law practices including Sheffield-based Porrett, Fawcett & Renwick, Taylors Solicitors; Rotherham-based Middleton, Oliver & Marsh and Barnsley-based Dibb and Clegg.

Since Atteys ceased trading, a number of parts of the business have been sold to other law firms. Neil Hudgell Solicitors acquired casework based on Personal Injury and Medical Negligence claims.

As well as helping former clients of Atteys, the Sheffield & District Law Society holds a complete record of every law firm that has traded in Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley and operates a free document location service, designed to help concerned members of the public to locate legal documents.

Anna Rudkin, president of the Sheffield & District Law Society said: "Atteys was a very well known and respected law firm throughout the whole of South Yorkshire and its closure is a very sad loss for the people that it served as well as the broader South Yorkshire legal community.

"The closure of the firm is likely to come as a shock to many who have used the firm as their family solicitor and many are likely to be worried about what has happened to important documents such as wills and property title deeds.

"When a law firm closes, the files that it held are transferred to another firm, who will provide advice to existing clients in the interim. It is usual for the appointed firm to make contact, advising that they hold the documents as well as discussing next steps.

"In addition to offering support to members of the public, we are working with former employees of Atteys, allowing them to continue to keep their training up-to-date, as well as helping them to find alternative employment in the local area."

Atteys website
Sheffield Law Society website

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News: Oxley & Coward mean business

Rotherham's Oxley & Coward Solicitors has pencilled in another business networking event for later this year after a successful event earlier this month.

The event was in partnership with Rotherham-based financial advisors, Hawley & Wood and attendees were treated to a business breakfast followed by pure, uninterrupted networking.

Rebecca Stopford, commercial partner at Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP, said: "This event followed the same format of informality as the primary objective is to bring together local companies that might be able to help each other out and perhaps benefit from our expertise at some point in the future.

"Now the breakfast format is set and people know what to expect, we're starting to see a range of suppliers, clients and business contacts develop relationships with each other - which is now turning into actual deals being done.

"We'd like to thank Hawley & Wood for their support and hope even more local businesses will join us for future events."

Simon Hawley of Hawley & Wood, added: "We were delighted to support Oxley & Coward and its clients and partners in assisting with this innovative networking breakfast.

"There was no set agenda and no lengthy presentations, leaving attendees free to network at their leisure. We were able to assist several people on the morning with various financial queries, and we look forward to getting involved again with similar events in the future."

Oxley & Coward website

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News: Oxley & Coward host business networking breakfast

Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP in partnership with HSBC's local team in Rotherham is hosting a second Business Breakfast on August 4.

The event starts at 7.45am, with breakfast followed by uninterrupted networking until 9.00am and is free to attend, with a suggested donation by delegates to the Bluebell Wood charity.

Rebecca Stopford, commercial partner at Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP, said: "Our first Business Breakfast in April was really popular so in response to all the positive feedback we are delighted to be hosting another.

"For anyone who didn't attend the first breakfast, the format is very informal and aims to bring together local companies that might be able to help each other out in the short-term and perhaps benefit from our expertise at some point in the future."

Several delegates in April exchanged business cards and set up appointments to talk to each other about providing reciprocal products and services and Oxley & Coward remain committed to acting as a catalyst to this process, by helping local businesses to help each other where possible, growing the local economy and prospects for the region generally.

Rebecca added: "We'd like to thank HSBC for all their support. Their help means we are now well on the way to making these Business Breakfasts a regular feature in the local business calendar."

Rhiannon Higgins, premier manager at HSBC, said: "We were delighted to support Oxley & Coward and its clients and partners in assisting with these innovative networking breakfasts. There are no set agendas and no lengthy presentations, leaving attendees free to network at their leisure. We will be on hand to assist people with Business and Personal banking queries, and we look forward to getting involved with similar events in the future."

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News: Oxley & Coward discuss temp workers’ rights

Businesses need to prepare to deal with new regulations controlling the rights and benefits temporary workers are entitled too, says Rotherham's Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP.

After October 1, any workers supplied by a temp agency who have worked for 12 weeks with the same company, will become entitled to the same rights and benefits as workers hired directly by the company.

This means temp staff will be entitled to the same wages or salary, the same overtime payments, the same annual pay increases, the same holidays and rest breaks as permanent workers of a similar grade hired directly by the company. Temps will be entitled to certain benefits, such as use of the canteen or crèche, although they will not be entitled to join the company's pension scheme or be entitled to redundancy payments.

Amy Cusworth, commercial law solicitor at Oxley & Coward, said: "Employers will need to act fast if they have not yet made preparations to comply with the regulations. They must look at their employee benefits and consider which are covered by the regulations and which are excluded.

"If they rely on agency workers to a substantial extent they must look at how they comply and what the cost of compliance will be.

"With planning, there are ways in which companies can take charge of the situation," added Amy. "For example, they could decide to change what is offered to permanent employees, or they could consider whether it is feasible to change their policy and use workers who are genuinely self-employed instead of agency workers, which would take them outside the scope of these Regulations.

With well over a million temporary/agency workers in the UK, many business stand to be affected by the changes and Amy also has a warning for any employer who thinks they can sidestep the rules in October: "What companies cannot do, is move agency workers between different jobs or to change their job description every 12 weeks. These are obvious ruses that are prohibited and will attract a fine."

Oxley & Coward website

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News: Oxley & Coward secures St John Ambulance contract

Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP of Rotherham has successfully tendered for a prestigious new contract with the nation's most respected first aid organisation, St John Ambulance.

The contract is for the provision of commercial property legal services and Oxley & Coward is one of six firms appointed to represent St John Ambulance in relation to all its property transactions involving both its existing properties and the acquisition of any new properties across the north of England.

St John Ambulance has a mixed portfolio of over 100 properties in the area and their buildings are used to train members of the public and volunteers in first aid so they can be the difference between life and death.

David Heelas, Head of Property at St John Ambulance, said: "We were impressed by Oxley & Coward's highly professional yet personal approach throughout the tender process. We know that we are dealing with a firm which understands our needs and which has the capabilities and expertise to deliver in this part of the country."

The Rotherham solicitors are also representing a Paris-based company in its merger acquisition of a UK engineering company and representing a North Wales based property development company in relation to its Wales based residential development site acquisitions and site set ups.

Anthony Ogley, partner and head of property at Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP, said: "The recent merger acquisition and our representation of the North Wales property development company are excellent examples of this firm operating at a national and even international level.

"We have the expertise to represent all clients whether local or national and our regional cost base makes us a highly competitive option for a broad spectrum of clients.

"Whether it be Commercial Property, Company Commercial, or other legal work that needs handling on a local or national basis, prospective clients might find our approach very refreshing, and the bills even more so."

Oxley & Coward website

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News: Oxley & Coward offer advice on bad debt

Rotherham's Oxley & Coward solicitors have put together a number of tips to help small, owner-managed businesses keep the cash flow flowing.

While the supplier-business is trying to get its invoices paid as quickly as possible, the customer is trying to pay as late as possible - a state of tension that leaves many businesses worrying how to make sure invoices are paid promptly but at the same time retaining its customers by keeping them on side.

Amy Cusworth, commercial law solicitor at Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP advises: "It comes down to making sure that problems don't arise. This means clear, fair and reasonable terms of business and taking care to make sure that the customer knows them.

"The customer must also be clear about the price and if the charge or fee is based on time, the supplier must keep customers informed of time spent and reminded of what that means in terms of cash. It's worth looking at interim billing as well, as it helps both the supplier's cash flow and avoids a large debt building up for the customer."

Other top tips from Amy include:

- Invoices should be delivered promptly; an invoice delivered a month or more after the work is completed or the goods supplied can simply cause irritation
- The invoice should state when it is due for payment: the customer's accounts department cannot be expected to be familiar with the supplier's terms of business
- If the invoice is not paid on the due date, an efficient credit control system must kick in and must operate like clockwork. Credit control should not start with aggressive threats; too much aggression too early may undermine good relations with the customer and can be counter productive. Start with a gentle reminder before moving up through the gears
- If the invoice remains unpaid the creditor should not take any action without first running a credit control check on the debtor; there is no point in wasting time and money chasing someone who is insolvent
- If the debtor is solvent but is likely to defend the claim, the creditor should see a solicitor at this stage to discuss the options. These might include court action or mediation
- If the claim is simple and unlikely to be defended, a creditor might consider a do-it-yourself approach either in the traditional way through the small claims courts
- Finally, when chasing another business or a public sector body for payment, the creditor has a statutory right to interest and compensation, even if their terms of business say nothing.

"Credit control starts with clear, fair and reasonable terms of business that provide effective tools for enforcement," added Amy. "They are the foundation of good customer relations and should be given the priority they deserve, but they also need reviewing on a regular basis, as both business and the law change. An expert can ensure that they are unambiguous and will achieve the desired result."

Oxley & Coward website

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News: Oxley & Coward promote new property chief

Rotherham Solicitors Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP has announced the promotion of Anthony Ogley to further develop the work of the property department.

Anthony has made such an impact in the nine months since he rejoined the firm as a Partner in April 2010 that the current Section Head Barry Long, who remains as Senior Partner of the firm, has awarded him with the top job.

Anthony began his career at Oxley & Coward following in the footsteps of not only his great uncle Frank, but also his father James. He left to become an associate solicitor with Geldards LLP for two years. From here, Anthony went on to become an associate solicitor with Nabarro LLP, prior to making a return to Oxley and Coward.

Anthony said: "Given my family history and starting my own career at Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP I have become really attached to the firm and its values.

"Now more than ever people need local experts they can trust and Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP have been delivering that in Rotherham for over 200 years.

"Barry has done an amazing job and I am delighted to not only be in a position to build on this but also to be part of the continued development of Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP's future success."

Anthony specialises in the core areas of development and site acquisition, investment sales and corporate support work.

Past cases in the healthcare and regeneration sectors involved medical centre development and funding, re-financing and some asset management, so Anthony is no stranger to handling the varied caseload a busy Property Department deals with on a daily basis.

"Having worked alongside Anthony I know the Property Department is in extremely capable hands," said Oxley and Coward Practice Manager Peter Hedley. "Anthony's skills developed and matured in his time away from us and his talent and experience will prove invaluable in ensuring the Department and the firm as a whole continues to live up to the very high standards we set ourselves."

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News: Oxley and Coward investing in future talent

Oxley and Coward Solicitors LLP of Rotherham are continuing to press ahead with its training programme for new solicitors, despite the current challenging economic conditions.

The firm's three trainees are working through a 24 month programme, with each trainee gaining experience in at least three legal departments. They are constantly assessed before they are adjudged to have completed enough areas successfully to become fully fledged, qualified solicitors and practitioners of Law.

The training provided by Oxley and Coward is part of the Professional Skills Course (PSC) for lawyers and is one of the final stages on the path to becoming a fully qualified solicitor. It gives trainees the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned in a real life situation and also gives the law firm the opportunity to assess the skills of potential new talent.

Amy Cusworth, who is coming to the end of her training contract has been working with Rebecca Stopford in Company & Commercial Law and has recently been helping Rebecca to advise clients at this year's Enterprise Show, held last month at Meadowhall.

Richard Sheppard, Oxley and Coward's partner and training principal, said: "Not many solicitors of our size take on so many trainees. The number we take on has grown over the last few years and we see it as a real investment in future talent.

"Taking on trainees is of course not cheap, particularly in today's difficult economic climate, but Oxley & Coward remains optimistic and committed to encouraging and developing the skills of the local talent of the future. In return, our current trainees have rewarded us with the highest levels of commitment and hard work.

"I am delighted with the progress they have made, and expect all of them to pass their PSC with flying colours."

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