The wide range of dynamic businesses in the region has helped local law firms achieve ongoing success. DERIN CLARK speaks to some of the area's leading solicitors to find out more about why East Anglia is the perfect location for the industry.
At a time when many businesses are struggling to survive, the region's law sector is thriving.
Leading legal firms in the area say that a large part of their success is down to the wide variety of businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk - from well-established family firms to up-and-coming start-ups.
Norfolk solicitors, Birketts, which was founded in 1863, said it has "become firmly established as one of the leading law firms in the region".
"More than 230 of Birketts’ colleagues are based in our city centre Norwich office, specialising in a full range of services across corporate and commercial law, litigation and dispute resolution, property law, agricultural law, employment law, estate planning and wills and family law," said James Austin, a senior partner at Birketts.
"It is also the base for our specialist social housing, plot sales, professional negligence and licensing legal teams.
“Norfolk, and Norwich in particular, is a great location for our firm.
"Not only are there direct links to London’s business hubs, but East Anglia is also home to a wide variety of domestic and international businesses itself.
"And this is what makes Norfolk such an exciting place to be.
"From global technology pioneers to agricultural stalwarts; and upcoming start-ups to 100-year-old professional services firms, the region has established itself as the perfect base for all companies large and small.
"As a full-service firm, we have been able to work with many of these businesses to help take them to the next level, providing a wealth of opportunities for our colleagues to develop and grow."
Ashtons Legal, which has more than 400 employees across its offices in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, also highlights being based in the region as contributing to its success.
James Tarling, CEO of Ashtons Legal, said: "As a law firm we help people and businesses when they are going through times of significant change, but also work with them to help them achieve their long-term goals.
"The east of England is well known for its stability with many very long-standing family businesses that have passed through generations and continue to thrive today.
"The strength of this stability is well balanced with the region now also being the home of highly innovative businesses expanding rapidly.
"These newer businesses are often fuelled by the vibrant universities, innovation centres and business networks which have been a real success in the region.
"The balance of long-term thinking and innovation is a real strength for the region and something that we seek to embrace within our own business."
Some law firms have well-established roots in the region which have also helped the businesses succeed during challenging times.
Ian Grimes, senior partner at Norfolk law firm, Fraser Dawbarns LLP, which dates back to 1842, said: "Throughout the years, we have developed a strong relationship with many local families and businesses owners, which strengthen our connection to our clients and community of which we are proud to be part.
"We are grateful to be situated in the picturesque countryside of west Norfolk and east Cambridgeshire, a part of the UK which is filled with so much preserved history, wildlife, and rural farmland."
Being part of the community
For Mr Tarling, having a personal connection to the region has also helped his law firm to succeed.
He said: "I grew up in Suffolk and after leaving the region to study, I moved to Norfolk to establish my career and bring up my family.
"Many of our people, like me, have well-established roots in the region and others have not wanted to leave once they have come to study or work here.
"The region provides a fantastic balance with its regional centres providing homes to leading businesses, educational and cultural institutions with our beautiful countryside and coastline on the doorstep."
Birketts also sees having a close connection to the area as an important part of its business.
"It is our relationships with the wider community that are at the heart of our firm’s success," said Mr Austin.
"The Norfolk community is very important to us.
"As well as operating a charitable fund – The Birketts Charitable Fund – administered by the Norfolk Community Foundation and supporting locally based charitable projects, we also regularly support a number of sporting and cultural events in the region."
Recruitment challenge
It has not all been plain sailing for the region's law firms, however, as many have struggled to attract and recruit the talented staff they need to successfully grow.
The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures shows that although the unemployment rate has risen slightly - standing at 3.6pc in the three months to September compared to 3.5pc in the previous three-month period - the number of people looking for work remains low.
Mr Grimes said that the "success of our firm would not be possible without each of our employees".
He added: "I am sure we are not alone when we say that recruitment over the last few years has been a challenge both locally and nationally.
"However, we boast having a strong training programme that reflects our dedication to internal progression and development, meaning that we have a team of loyal and long-serving staff."
Mr Tarling said that Ashtons Legal has been working hard to recruit employees.
"While the east of England has a strong legal talent pool, it is very competitive for law firms to attract the best people," he said.
"We have been successful in recruiting and retaining fantastic staff through various strategies, such as offering a flexible working environment and working closely with local schools and universities, including most recently being at the forefront of promoting solicitor apprentices to encourage a new way into the legal profession."
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