law
Paris Smith celebrates double century
One of the region’s oldest law firms celebrates its bicentennial in 2018. Paris Smith’s senior partner Nick Vaughan, and managing partner Peter Taylor, tell Tim Wickham success has always been about having the right clients and the right staff
Victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 was probably still fresh in the mind of certified attorney Edward Bryant when he travelled from London to Southampton to set up the business that would become Paris Smith. The first office was at Lansdowne House in the city’s Bargate area. In perhaps an early sign that the firm would prosper, the property was shrewdly snapped up at auction for a bargain £38 from the Marquis of Lansdowne’s debt-laden son. Lansdowne House remained the firm’s home until 1997.
The names of Paris and Smith first appeared in the mid-1800s. The last Paris connection was Hampshire and England cricketer Cecil Paris, a former senior partner at the firm, who died in 1988. Despite receiving many offers over the years, Paris Smith has remained independent.
Client commitment
The firm’s heartland is in the central and southern region, while numbering large national household names among its clients. “Our relatively large size here enables us to develop close relationships with both small businesses and multinationals, as well as private clients,” said Peter Taylor. “We offer corporate services which equate well to those of a London practice, but at a fraction of the cost.”
Southampton office
The client split at Paris Smith is about 70% commercial and 30% private clients. The Corporate and Commercial Department at Paris Smith is made up of an established team of corporate lawyers. The team advise on the areas of ownership matters, trade related commercial advice including intellectual property advice and the purchases and sales of companies and businesses. Tax, trusts, estate planning and family matters are the main thrusts of the firm’s private client work, while its expertise in charities, education, agriculture and rural estates, banking and finance, sports and leisure span both client groups.
Paris Smith led the legal aspects on a number of landmark projects in the city, including Southampton Football Club’s move from the Dell to St Mary’s Stadium, and moving Hampshire County Cricket Club to the impressive Ageas Bowl, with its Hilton Hotel. The firm has a long relationship with Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre (one of the longest arts and business sponsorships in the country), which is now one of the UK’s most popular regional theatres. Members of the planning department were previously involved in the prestigious West Quay shopping centre development.
Paris Smith always chooses clients carefully. “We don’t seek to be all things to all people, and we’re not shy of walking away from an opportunity if it doesn’t seem to fit with us,”
Nick Vaughan
Taylor explained. “We are driven by our values and our desire to work with clients who look through the lens of business relationships in the same way as we do. Having something in common bodes well for more productive, rewarding and enjoyable relationships that work for both sides.”
The approach appears to pay dividends; the firm reports that 98% of its clients say they would recommend it. Underpinning its client relationships, community involvement, and staff development are the Paris Smith values of service, professionalism, integrity, respect, innovation and trust.
Strong community roots
The firm’s spirited approach is used to support the regional economy and benefits local communities. “It’s in our interests and those of the people who live in the region that we do what we can to make this a vibrant place to live and for businesses to be successful,” said Nick Vaughan.
Paris Smith has always been closely involved with a range of stakeholders, including local authorities, schools and universities, chambers of commerce, local enterprise partnerships and key employers. The firm’s recent support for local schemes include Hampshire Fare’s promotion of locally produced food and drink, and collaboration between Winchester School of Art and Basingstoke-based banknote maker De La Rue on a student project on the future of money.
A well-established charity forum in the region with more than 300 members was the brainchild of the firm. Along with other local professional service providers, Paris Smith offers charity and not-for-profit organisations free advice, training and support. “We encourage staff to volunteer, be trustees and school governors, and provide pro bono advice. It’s about giving back to the local community,” said Vaughan.
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businessmag.co.uk THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018
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