5th September 2016
Professional services provider Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group (LCBSG) has introduced a standalone legal services division.
Leonard Curtis Legal, the new firm – which launches today (5th September 2016) – will be headed by former DWF Manchester Office Managing Partner and Head of Business Restructuring, Andrew Gregory.
It will provide legal solutions for the Leonard Curtis Group – with 11 offices UK-wide – and provide a legal offering to partner with their accountant contacts and clients to complement the other specialist services already delivered by LCBSG.
The new business will be headquartered at 3 Hardman Square, Spinningfields in Manchester.
It’s a ground-breaking move for LCBSG as they become one of the first UK multi-disciplinary practices in the SME market to take advantage of the changing regulation around the provision of legal services.
LCBSG Director Daniel Booth said: “The wider group sees more and more situations that need a solution which crosses over professional disciplines and services in the SME space. Adding legal services was a natural next step for Leonard Curtis.”
Leonard Curtis Legal will continue to refer specialist work to its network of trusted law firms UK-wide. Andrew commented “We have our natural areas of expertise in the team, and we will draw on those from private practice with the right skills whenever appropriate to best service our clients and contacts.”
Legal solutions offered will include advice on start ups, business finance, contract reviews, employment advice, cash management, debt recovery and dispute resolution.
Services to individuals will include advice for sole traders and partners, support for directors and shareholders in a wide range of situations including strategies for those seeking to exit a business.
For lenders, Leonard Curtis Legal will be able to provide a range of products and services including security reviews or creation of new security, due diligence for lending purposes and advice on inter-creditor agreements/distressed work outs.
Andrew again: “In these areas we plan to offer high quality national law firm expertise with, wherever possible, the provision of fixed fees.”
Associate Solicitor Jennifer Moore, formerly of Squire Patton Boggs, Manchester office, has joined the team alongside paralegal Jenny Fell.
Jennifer commented: “I spent eight years working for a national firm and gained significant experience in banking and restructuring work. I am looking forward to using my knowledge and expertise to support the work introduced by the Leonard Curtis network of offices.”
SME businesses look set to benefit. The Federation of Small Business (FSB) has echoed the call for a more effective commercial legal services sector to meet the needs of small business.
Leonard Curtis Legal will be offered as part of the firm’s recently launched Lifecycle brand. Lifecycle is a unique network for accountants – providing members with a comprehensive range of specialist services and the expert support required to improve their client offering – including legal advice – at every stage of a business’ lifecycle. It is free to join.
For more information on Leonard Curtis Legal go to www.leonardcurtislegal.co.uk