As part of ongoing expansion plans The Family Law Company has opened its first office in Cornwall in the heart of Truro.
This is the fourth office for the firm, which has two longstanding offices in Exeter and one in Plymouth. The decision underpins a strong commitment to providing a dedicated family law service in the county as the firm grows its presence in the wider South West.
The move into Cornwall began in 2021 with the appointment of Director Lucy Theobald who initially flexi-worked from home and the Plymouth office. As demand for services grew, Trainee Legal Executive Shannon Fawdry and Paralegal Sophie Kneebone were appointed to the team.
Lucy says “It was a natural progression to open an office where we can welcome clients and build a real team connection.
“The company is proud to serve many of our clients on the doorstep of the local judiciary and we were pleased to find the perfect solution; a compact, cost-effective office in the capital of Cornwall conveniently located next door to barristers’ chambers.”
The ‘Truro team’ all have roots in Cornwall bringing local knowledge and understanding to family matters. Sophie joined from historic Cornwall firm Coodes. She is currently studying with CILEx and aims to qualify as a lawyer in 2024. Shannon originally worked with Lucy before moving to Charles French & Co where she focussed on conveyancing. She is now back with her former Cornish mentor to concentrate on family law.
“We’re also delighted to have the support of experienced Cornish Family Solicitor Deborah Cahill who’s based in St Austell,” adds Lucy. “Deborah joined The Family Law Company in 2018 and works with clients on both sides of the River Tamar; her extensive expertise of advising unmarried couples is a real bonus for us.”
Between them the team provides a full range of family law services, from divorce and finance, care, private law children cases, unmarried family finance and legal aid to domestic abuse with specialist knowledge including farming divorce, shareholders, self-employed business owners, pensions and inherited wealth.
The Family Law Company aims to stay true to its vision of championing family law as a force for good to create a positive future for families in Cornwall by ensuring that family law is accessible for everyone. The award-winning company is recognised for its commitment to legal aid, helping the most vulnerable in society to have access to justice.
As it grows, the Truro office will provide employment opportunities to local people interested in a career in law, who will benefit from the company’s commitment to nurturing and developing talent in those who share its values, even when they have no legal background.
Lucy explains “Our business has an innovative recruitment policy that’s brilliant at spotting potential. We’ve seen receptionists move into roles as paralegals, office assistants and account managers, a former nail technician now training to be a lawyer and a military police officer who recently qualified as a lawyer.”
The firm was founded in Exeter by Norman Hartnell in 1991 and has grown to be one of the biggest specialist family law firms in the South West and nationally, employing just under 100 people and managing around 2,000 cases annually.
“Cornwall was always going to be a logical extension to The Family Law Company’s regional reach. We’ve had such a positive reception in the county so far, both from those using our services, referrers and other businesses and look forward to developing our presence here.”
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