law 31 Eric Robinson reaches golden age
For most people, turning 50 is a good age. It’s a landmark from which to reflect on all you have accomplished, while also having many years ahead of you to plan for and make the most of. Now, one of Southampton’s largest and best-known independent law firms, Eric Robinson Solicitors, is taking advantage of its Golden Anniversary and, led by managing partner Catherine Maxfield (pictured), rapidly putting in place plans for the next half century
Since being founded 50 years ago by its namesake in an office by the Red Lion Pub in Bitterne, Eric Robinson Solicitors has exuded a pioneering spirit and determination to excel, expand and succeed which has seen the firm grow to a five-branch, multidiscipline legal practice with an enviable reputation and over 140 staff.
The firm has supported thousands of people across the Solent region with major events in their lives. Whether buying a house, supporting those at the end of a relationship or carrying out the wishes of someone who has passed away, the business has thrived on word-of-mouth recommendations from people it has helped.
Now, despite all the recent changes in the legal profession and anxiety among many law firms struggling in a survival-of-the-fittest culture, Eric Robinson Solicitors is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth.
“In times of change, new entrants will always see an opportunity in the marketplace, but in my experience of professional services, clients are reassured by an established reputation, a considerable history and a proven track record of success,“ said Maxfield. “If you have those key ingredients, you have nothing to fear from the unregulated, untried and untested.“
As part of its strategic planning in 2014, the firm is expanding with a phenomenal momentum that is gathering pace on a daily basis. Eric Robinson Solicitors has raised the
and enable us to reinvest back into the business.“
One of the major investments has been that of technology. As well as an in-house team of three IT professionals who have implemented digital dictation, voice recognition and practice-management systems across the firm, Eric Robinson Solicitors has overhauled its website (pictured) and is starting to explore social media channels including LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
“You can’t ignore the digital age,“ Maxfield stated simply. “Whether online or offline, clients or staff, the key to success is effective, clear and consistent communication. Of course we are running and attending business events, but we have also filmed seminars and interviews with our clients so that people can learn more about us from the comfort of their computer.“
profile of its commercial team, by expanding its corporate services through hiring specialists in areas including restructuring and insolvency, employment and immigration, and environmental and business regulation.
While the commercial team breaks new ground with clients in agriculture, marine, leisure and retail, private client departments are developing niche offerings in mental health, family mediation and a proactive investigation service which gathers evidence for clients facing any kind of prosecution.
“It has been an evolving cycle of development,“ explained Maxfield. “We have invested in new staff, niche areas and offerings including fixed- fee products such as ’Business Healthchecks’, which have brought us new clients
For its 50th birthday, the firm has embarked on a programme of celebration suggested by staff across the firm. The firm will be running a bike ride in aid of Wessex Heartbeat, taking part in a specially created programme with the local Education Business Partnership and sponsoring events as ’Champions’ of Business South.
“Staff involvement is crucial,“ said Maxfield. “We recently conducted an internal survey that showed us how proud our staff are to work for the firm and that creates a passion for and focus on client service.“
And the good news is that the firm is already seeing the results of its hard work.
“We have seen significantly-increased revenue across the firm in the past 12 months,“ said Maxfield. “Personally, I know I have become managing partner of a firm that was started before I was born, and feel a real responsibility to keep the ship on course. You feel that you owe it to people coming up behind you to pass on the opportunity that you have enjoyed.“
Details: Catherine Maxfield 023-8027-8711
catherine.maxfield@
ericrobinson.co.uk www.ericrobinson.co.uk
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – APRIL 2014
www.businessmag.co.uk
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