A CELEBRATION OF 20 YEARS OF AMICUSLAW
From humble beginnings starting out with just one office, AmicusLaw has embarked on a remarkable journey of growth and success over the past two decades. With each passing year, they’ve expanded their reach, broadened their expertise, and strengthened their bonds within the legal community. From that single office, they’ve grown into a trusted presence, serving clients across communities, industries and legal domains. As they mark this milestone, they reflect on the incredible journey that has brought them here; a journey marked by countless achievements, challenges overcome, and relationships forged.
Here’s to 20 years of excellence, and to many more years of success yet to come!
Taunton – February 2004
February 2004 marked the start of AmicusLaw with the opening of their first office in Taunton.
Ian Pearson joined as a consultant
longest serving team member – 2005
In 2005, employment law specialist Ian Pearson joined the firm as a consultant. To this date he is the longest serving AmicusLaw team member.
Minehead – September 2007
In September 2007, AmicusLaw made the decision to open their second office, marking a significant expansion for the firm, allowing them to cover a wider client area.
Bridgwater – October 2009
With continued growth in mind, in October 2009. AmicusLaw opened their third office located in Bridgwater, further expanding their services to those in the Somerset area.
Merged with Jeremy Wood & Co – Yeovil – June 2013
June 2013 saw the merger of AmicusLaw with Jeremy Wood & Co law firm in Yeovil. This merger brought together a wealth of legal talent and experience, broadening the range of services offered and strengthening the firm’s reach in the marketplace.
New larger Yeovil premises – October 2014
In October 2014, AmicusLaw made the decision to further expand their Yeovil office in the form of new larger premises to better accommodate their growing staff and the high demand in the area.
Martock – August 2016
In August 2016, the firm merged with Richard Kemp Solicitors as they saw a need for their services in the Martock area, bringing about the opening of their Martock office.
Claire Lovett and Stephen Forsey took a controlling interest in AmicusLaw – 2017
2017 marked the start of a transformative period for AmicusLaw, with managing partners Claire Lovett and Stephen Forsey taking a controlling interest in the firm with Stephen as Managing Partner.
First Staff Away Day – July 2017 (now an annual event)
In July 2017, the first annual Staff Away Day event took place. The firm now closes all offices for the day once a year to enable all staff from across the firm to meet and strengthen team dynamics. Most recent Away Days have seen staff taking part in duck herding, chocolate making, welly wanging and a master of tasks challenge.
Exeter – September 2017
September 2017 saw the opening of AmicusLaw’s first Devon office. With the opening of this new office aimed at broadening the firm’s reach and enhancing accessibility to their legal services, further solidifying their presence within the South West.
Brought onboard Morgan Associates – April 2018
In April 2018, AmicusLaw expanded their operations through bringing on board Morgan Associates.
Exeter new larger premises – September 2018
In September 2018, the firm needed to expand in Exeter and as a result made the decision to relocate the office space to larger premises in the area.
Won two LFS Conveyancing Awards, Small Conveyancing Firm of the Year 2018, and Small Conveyancing Firm of the Year (South) – 2018
In 2018, AmicusLaw achieved recognition winning two prestigious awards in the LFS Conveyancing Awards, where the firm was awarded Small Conveyancing Firm of the Year (South) and the Conveyancing Firm of the Year 2018.
Wellington – September 2019
Seeing a need for more legal coverage in the Somerset area following on from the opening of the firm’s Bridgwater office in 2009, September 2019 saw the opening of a new office in Wellington.
Helen Grady joined – specialising in asbestos related claims – 2021
Seeing the increasing need for more ‘niche’ legal services, in 2021 AmicusLaw brought on board asbestos related claims specialist Helen Grady to head up a new department; a new previously unexplored avenue for the firm.
First Pathway Programme was launched – September 2021
In September 2021, AmicusLaw introduced their first Pathway Programme for development of aspiring partners, including management training and preparation for leadership within the company. This gave the opportunity to forge strong internal relationships with colleagues across all disciplines and locations and culminated in three new partners for the firm; Belinda Pennington, Andrea Parsons, and James Armstrong.
Year on Year Growth of Turnover – 2021/2022
The 2021-2022 period saw fantastic levels of growth for AmicusLaw with a 17.5% year on year growth of turnover.
Staff Numbers – 2021/2022
As of the 2021/2022 period AmicusLaw employed a total of 46 staff members across various departments and roles within the organisation.
New larger Minehead premises – March 2022
In March 2022, AmicusLaw further expanded their Minehead premises to allow them to continue to grow the team.
Appointment of HR Manager Leanne Cornock-Stark – March 2022
With an ever-expanding team, in March 2022 AmicusLaw needed a dedicated HR Manager and to fill this gap appointed Leanne Cornock-Stark as HR Manager covering all offices.
Ilminster & Taunton – November 2022
In 2022, AmicusLaw expanded their operations through the acquisition of law firms Broomhead and Saul and Solicitors Title. This extended their services into both Ilminster and Taunton with offices based on the high streets in the centres of each town.
Year on Year Growth of Turnover – 2022/2023
The 2022-2023 period saw continued levels of growth for AmicusLaw with a 23.7% year on year growth of turnover.
Staff Numbers – 2022/2023
As of the 2022/2023 period AmicusLaw employed a total of 68 staff members, seeing an increase of 47.8% from the previous period.
The first bring your dog to work day – June 2023
In June 2023, the firm introduced their first ‘bring your dog to work day’ where any staff with dogs were able to bring them into the office for the day for lots of cuddles.
First TV ad launched – December 2023
In December 2023, AmicusLaw’s first ever TV advert aired on TV in and around the Somerset area.
DOUBLE Win at the Modern Law Awards – January 2024
In June 2023, we were thrilled win TWO Awards at the Modern Law Awards.
Claire was recognised for her outstanding leadership with the ‘Managing Partner of the Year’ award and on top of that, we also took home the ‘Business Growth Award’ for our commitment to providing exceptional legal services while expanding our reach.
Staff Numbers – 2023/2024
As of the 2023/2024 period AmicusLaw employed a total of 84 staff members, almost doubling their staff in just two years.
Year on Year Growth of Turnover – 2023/2024
The 2023-2024 has seen incredible levels of growth for the firm so far with an impressive 57.4% year on year growth of turnover.
New location – Weymouth March 2024
We were delighted to open a new office in the seaside town of Weymouth. As a firm dedicated to providing top-tier legal services with a personal touch, we are thrilled to extend our reach further into the community and offer our expertise to individuals and businesses alike. This expansion reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our clients and providing accessible, high-quality legal support right in the heart of Weymouth, with our office conveniently positioned near the train and bus stations and with ample parking available to ensure easy access for our clients.
Shortlisted for Three DASLS Awards – April 2024
Law Firm of the Year
Chartered Legal Executive of the Year – Erin Darling-Finan Paralegal of the Year – Kelechi Adiele
DOUBLE Win at the DASLS Awards – June 2024
In June 2024, we were thrilled win TWO Awards at the DASLS (Devon and Somerset Law Society) Awards.
Law Firm of the Year Paralegal of the Year – Kelechi AdieleLexcel Accreditation Achieved – July 2024
In July 2024 we were delighted to be awarded the prestigious Lexcel Accreditation by The Law Society. This recognition highlights our commitment to excellence in client care, compliance, and practice management.
