- Number of partners: 28
- Assistant solicitors: 34
- Other fee-earners: 16
The Firm Paris Smith LLP is a major regional law firm aiming to provide the highest quality legal advice to businesses and individuals alike. The firm has come a long way since its creation nearly 200 years ago and now occupies two landmark offices staffed by 180 people, including 78 lawyers.
Although based in the thriving city of Southampton the firm's clients include not only major regional businesses but also well known national PLCs. The firm has more than doubled in size in the last few years, helped in no small part through recruiting the right people and delivering the highest quality service. Renowned for 'punching above its weight' Paris Smith draws most of its clients from an area covering London to the North, Weymouth to the West and Chichester to the East.
Principal Areas of Work In addition to mainstream advice in the M&A, banking and corporate finance fields, the firm's commercial teams are well known for advising on sports related matters, acting for both Southampton Football Club and Hampshire County Cricket Club. The Public Sector Team acts for more than 40 local authorities. The Insolvency Team is rapidly becoming a major player in the region. The Intellectual Property Team advises on IP/IT, data protection and e-commerce matters whilst the Planning Team comprises of specialist lawyers and, uniquely, planning consultants, most of whom have had an involvement in nearly every major planning project in Southampton and beyond.
The firm's leading Commercial Property Team is retained by several high street names in the retail and leisure sector and has advised on many of the city's most high profile developments.
Paris Smith LLP's private client teams also go from strength to strength and several members of the Family and Tax and Estate Planning Teams are recognised as leaders in their respective fields. Trained mediators in employment, commercial and family disputes are also available. Dedicated teams in dispute resolution provide advice on complex and high value corporate matters, health and safety and statutory defence work as well as a dedicated debt recovery service.
The Employment Team has a strong reputation for its work both with employers and employees and offers insurance based solutions if appropriate.
Paris Smith LLP prides itself on the quality of its service and this is recognised in its accreditations for Investors in People and Lexcel. It has always been one to watch in the South offering London expertise at regional rates.
Recruitment A position in Paris Smith LLP offers excellent prospects in this fast-growing practice, and the firm welcomes applications from lawyers, trainees and support staff (which should be addressed to the Practice Director), who are committed to providing a legal service that is second to none.
Areas of PracticeCommercial Property: 34%Company & Commercial: 16%Family: 13%Tax & Estate Planning: 13%Litigation: 11%Employment: 8%Residential Property: 5%