Launch of our Sutton Coldfield Office
November 2018
On Thursday 22nd November, professionals from the Sutton Coldfield and Walsall area gathered at Migas Wine and Tapas bar to celebrate the launch of Enoch Evans LLP’s new branch office.
David Evans, our managing partner, said: “This is the first expansion outside of Walsall for the firm since the opening in 1884 by Enoch Evans himself. We’re proud to offer traditional legal services in a modern way; working with individuals and business clients in a fashion that puts service first. As a business, the opening of the Sutton Coldfield branch proves we’re not standing still; we’re growing and developing whilst retaining our long-standing values.”
In recent years we have has grown to over 80 staff and are listed in the Legal 500 which ranks the world’s best practices. From a single location the firm has steadily built a solid reputation in providing legal support to generations of families and businesses that operate within the West Midlands and throughout the UK.
The Sutton Coldfield office will provide expert services to private clients as well as businesses from its convenient setting on Mill Street, adding particular value to professionals.
For more information please call the new Sutton Coldfield office on 0121 355 2336. Alternatively, follow the firm on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.
Promotion in Civil Litigation
November 2018
Our Litigation department have a newly promoted senior solicitor in Katie Baker-Clifton.
Katie joined Enoch Evans LLP in 2016 and has a wealth of experience in Employment Law as this has been her sole area of expertise since 2009. She has a varied caseload from non-contentious advisory work for both corporate and private clients through to complex contested employment tribunal cases.
Regarding Katie’s promotion within the Litigation department Steve Nixon, Partner and Head of Commercial Litigation said “Katie’s hard work has been rewarded in her being promoted to Senior Solicitor within Enoch Evans LLP. As a firm we strive to promote from within and promotion within our teams means that we can build stronger relationships with our clients.”
Pharmacy Show 2018 Update
October 2018
Our Company & Commercial team have just returned from a successful two days exhibiting at the Pharmacy Show 2018.
As certified Business Partners to the National Pharmacy Association they were at the NEC Birmingham, along with 400+ exhibitors, 200+ expert speakers, 150+ educational sessions and 7 theatres at the national event. Those attending included Pharmacy owners, Pharmacy Technicians, Hospital Pharmacy Teams, Wholesalers & Distributors and Pre-registration Pharmacists.
The Pharmacy Show is by far the largest pharmacy training event in the UK and plays a vital role in supporting both community, primary and secondary care pharmacy professionals with free continued professional development (CPD) content covering strategy, tactics, clinical, business, public health, digital health, leadership and GP practice pharmacy training and advice vital for the future of the profession.
Head of the Corporate and Commercial department Sukie Shemar commented; “We had a great show this year, with plenty of visitors to our stand. We look forward to following-up on the contacts that were made while maintaining relationships with existing contacts”.
Sutton Coldfield Branch Office
October 2018
We have chosen Sutton Coldfield as the location of our first branch outside our Walsall headquarters.
In recent years our firm has grown to over 80 staff and is listed in the Legal 500 which ranks the world’s best practices. From a single location the firm has steadily built a solid reputation in providing legal support to generations of families and businesses that operate throughout the length and breadth of the UK.
David Evans, managing partner, said: “This is the first expansion outside of Walsall for the firm since the opening in 1884 by Enoch Evans himself. We are well-established in Walsall with a good understanding of the value of being embedded in a community and we plan to take this approach over to Sutton Coldfield.
“We’re proud to offer traditional legal services in a new way; servicing individuals and business clients in a modern fashion which puts service first. As a business, the opening of the Sutton Coldfield branch proves we’re not standing still; we’re growing and developing whilst retaining our long-standing family values.”
Reiss Matthews, a solicitor specialising in Wills, Tax, and Probate, said: “We recognised that many corporate clients stay in Walsall for work but now live in Sutton Coldfield due to the lifestyle it offers. It therefore made sense to have a dedicated branch that would be more convenient for them.
“As a Sutton Coldfield resident, I know this area incredibly well, and even though our Walsall office covers the whole of the West Midlands, the new office allows our team to be even more reactive and it’s much easier for clients to see us face-to-face; something that’s really important when working on sensitive personal cases.
“The opening is also about bringing a Birmingham style of law to the door step of businesses and individuals in this area. We take a professional and commercial approach; even though we’re outside the city, we utilise modern procedures and methods of communication which allow us to be clear and open with clients who are able to get hold of us whenever needed.”
The Sutton Coldfield office will provide expert services to private clients as well as businesses from the convenient setting on Mill Street, adding particular value to professionals such as accountants, surveyors, and financial advisors.
To celebrate the opening of our office in Sutton Coldfield (Mill Street, B72 1TJ), we will be holding a number of seminars that provide invaluable information on different topics. To keep informed on when these seminars and advice sessions will take place, visit www.enochevans.co.uk or call the new Sutton Coldfield office on 0121 355 2336. Alternatively, follow the firm on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.
Visit to the Sensory Room at Walsall Child Development Centre
September 2018
In September some of the team from our Management of Financial Affairs department went over to the opening of the Sensory Room at the Walsall Child Development Centre. Enoch Evans LLP has again promoted the Well Wishers Charity at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust by participating in the Well Wishers Make a Will Fortnight campaign.
The funds raised went towards the cost of the equipment for the Sensory Room, which provides sensory stimulation for children with various learning needs. Partner Susan Comrie commented “ Richard Neea and I were pleased to assist such a worthwhile local charity and Marc and I really enjoyed seeing how much the children enjoyed their new Sensory Room”.
Pictured above is Susan Comrie with Legal Assistant Marc Herczeg and next with Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager for Well Wishers.
Dixon Wilton Announces Retirement
April 2018
Following a long career in the legal profession and with Enoch Evans LLP, Dixon Wilton has announced his retirement from the firm.
Dix qualified as a Solicitor in 1978 and joined Enoch Evans LLP in October 2013 when the firm merged with Addison O’Hare Solicitors where he held the position of Senior Partner.
Dix said, ‘I have most certainly enjoyed my time with Enoch Evans LLP, from the days of the merger to where we are now. It has been exciting to be part of Enoch Evans LLP’s expansion. I am looking forward to retiring, but will miss the team at Enoch Evans LLP and most certainly our clients.’
Managing Partner, David Evans said, ‘Dix has been an invaluable member of the Enoch Evans LLP team; he has provided great team support throughout his time with us and as a mentor to the younger lawyers. On behalf of our clients we wish Dix all the best in his retirement and the Firm would publicly like to thank Dix for his service and dedication to serving our clients and for having an active involvement in helping Enoch Evans LLP to grow.’
In addition to Dix’s service to Enoch Evans LLP, he is also a member of the Walsall Rotary Club in which he will continue to have an active involvement.
Newly Qualified Solicitor Adds to Expanding Team
April 2018
We are excited to welcome a newly qualified Solicitor to our thriving Commercial Litigation team.
Emily Parry has successfully qualified as a Solicitor having begun her training contract with us in April 2016. Since then, she has fulfilled seats in a number of departments to gain experience in different areas of law including Corporate, Commercial Property and Civil Litigation.
We are well known within the legal industry for promoting internally where possible, Emily is testament to this.
Emily said, ‘I’m excited to be qualifying. It has been a tough learning curve but very rewarding and enjoyable. The whole firm has been very supportive and I feel lucky to be joining such a warm and welcoming team who support each other without hesitation. Since joining the Commercial Litigation team it has helped me develop both professionally and personally, and I couldn’t have asked for a better department to start my career.’
Partner and Head of Commercial Litigation, Stephen Nixon said, ‘I’m delighted that Emily will be qualifying in to our team. She has been an invaluable addition and we look forward to seeing her continue her career with us as a qualified Solicitor.’
Commercial Property Solicitor Strengthens Team
March 2018
We are proud to welcome Senior Solicitor Mursila Sohail to our expanding Commercial Property team.
Mursila is the newest recruit to join Enoch Evans LLP. After graduating with an LLB in Law at London School of Economics and Political Science, Mursila has worked for over 17 years in the legal industry specialising in acquisitions, disposals, refinancing and landlord and tenant work. Mursila has excellent commercial experience and has practiced for a number of years following becoming qualified in the City of London.
“Having worked in the top tier of London Law firms, it is a great opportunity to join a firm like Enoch Evans LLP, which is ranked in the Legal 500 as a firm but also has acknowledgement in the individual lawyer categories. I cannot wait to contribute to the premier level of service and advice given by the top quality commercial legal team at Enoch Evans LLP.” said Mursila.
Mursila will assist the team with all types of Commercial Property work, but in addition will be looking to expanding on the commercial work the firm currently undertakes.
Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial department, Sukie Shemar said, “Mursila’s extensive experience has made her an invaluable addition to the Commercial Property team. Mursila is certainly settling in well with our clients and we’re excited to see the many things she will achieve with us”.
Our Charity of the Year Revealed
March 2018
We are pleased to announce that we have revealed our charity of the year for 2018 and we have opted to keep it local.
Walsall Society for the Blind; neighbours to Enoch Evans LLP on Hatherton Road said they are delighted to have been selected and will now benefit from the fundraising events carried out by Enoch Evans LLP during the year.
Amanda Reed, CEO for Walsall Society for the Blind said, “We are all so grateful to Enoch Evans LLP for selecting us as their charity of the year and look forward to assisting them in the many events they have planned to raise money for our charity.”
“Walsall Society for the Blind is a local charity that has provided a lifeline to the visually impaired since 1885. Deemed as Walsall’s oldest charity, their aim is to provide information, support and friendship to those who suffer from visual impairment.”
David Evans, Managing Partner at Enoch Evans LLP said, “Charity of the Year is something new that we have decided to start for 2018. We wish to focus our efforts on raising as much as possible and making a difference, the opportunity to do it for a cause so close to ourselves and for the local community makes it all that more, worthwhile.”
“We look forward to an exciting year of fundraising and giving something back.”
Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards
February 2018
We have been shortlisted as finalists at the 17th annual Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards, which will be held at the ICC in Birmingham. The three categories are; Private Client Team of the Year, Business Team of the Year, Law Firm of the Year (5-15 partners).
To get through to the final stages our firm had to undergo an initial written submission, followed by an interview with selected individuals from the judging panel.
It is a proud moment for the firm to get to the final stages of the awards that are now in their 200th year and this marks another significant step in Enoch Evans LLP being recognised by the legal sector for being a firm that maintains the highest of standards for legal services in Walsall and the Black Country.
Senior Solicitor Joins Growing Team
January 2018
A Senior Solicitor who specialises in Civil Litigation is the latest new recruit to our law firm’s growing team.
Andrew McManus is latest new addition to join Enoch Evans LLP. After graduating with an LLB in Law from the University of Hull, Andrew has worked for over 13 years in the legal profession specialising in contentious probate matters and property disputes.
Andrew said, “Enoch Evans LLP is a very well established law firm; they have successfully been serving Walsall and its surrounding areas in law for over 130 years. My recent move to the area made it clear to me who I wanted to work with; this opportunity has come about at the right time for me and my career.”
Andrew will join the Civil Litigation Department and will assist the team with disputes relating to Wills, Inheritance Act claims by disappointed beneficiaries and Trust disputes – as well as boundary disputes, issues relating to rights of way, residential Landlord and Tenant and more.
Partner and Head of Civil Litigation, Anne Ward said, “We’re delighted to welcome Andrew to Enoch Evans LLP. Andrew has invaluable experience in handling all forms of disputes and so will be an instrumental addition to an ever-growing team.”
Support for St Giles Walsall Hospice
November 2017
St Giles Walsall Hospice has once again received a cash boost from Enoch Evans LLP solicitors after the firm donated the proceeds from participation in Make a Will Fortnight. A total of £400 was raised for the 2017 event.
The annual two-week fundraising initiative takes place every autumn, giving people the chance to take advantage of the professional services of St Giles’ partner solicitors across the region to prepare a standard will.
Our firm has been taking part in Make a Will Fortnight since 2009, waiving their usual fees in exchange for a donation to St Giles, which provides high-quality care for local people living with cancer and other serious illnesses.
Enoch Evans LLP Solicitors has been a longstanding supporter of St Giles Walsall Hospice and is proud to participate in Make a Will Fortnight every year.
Richard Neea, Partner and head of the Wills, Tax and Probate department says: “During Make a Will Fortnight we lend our expertise to draw up a will and instead of charging the client we donate the cost of this service to St Giles, while also asking clients who take part to make a donation. At Enoch Evans LLP we decided to support St Giles Walsall Hospice as it’s a really popular local charity that’s close to the hearts of many people in the surrounding area.
“The benefits of Make a Will Fortnight are two-fold – it’s extremely important that everyone draws up a will so they can ensure their estate is passed on to the people they want it to go to, while also doing a wonderful job of supporting a local charity that does excellent work.
“St Giles is a very well-known charity and because we’re the biggest solicitors firm in Walsall we are very keen to lend our support. Many of our clients are delighted to show their support for the hospice and it has an excellent reputation.
“Everyone at St Giles Walsall Hospice is very grateful for our help and always looking to show their appreciation.”
The expert team at Enoch Evans LLP also has three members of Solicitors for the Elderly, a national association that provides legal advice for older and vulnerable people.
Richard adds: “We have a wealth of experience dealing with wills and it’s a chance for people to get professional help for a little bit cheaper, while supporting a really worthwhile cause. We’ve had a great reaction from local people and we’re eager to continue showing our support for St Giles in the future”.
Highly Experienced Litigator Becomes Qualified Mediator
November 2017
We are proud to announce that Partner and Litigation Specialist, Andrew Pointon (pictured right) is now a fully qualified, ADR Group Accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator.
Andrew, who is a member of the Association of Midland Mediators (AMM) has successfully gained the accreditation which now allows him to practice mediation, a structured approach to negotiation and settlement for all levels of civil and commercial disputes. Referrals are welcome from law firms and other professional services providers.
He said, ‘I am delighted to have completed my qualification and to add to my specialist skill set. Fewer parties can afford to go to Court, but their issues, some of which can be potentially life changing, still need to be resolved and I am here and ready to assist with that process.’
Andrew has been with Enoch Evans LLP for over thirty years. He has spent the vast majority of that time working in the Commercial Litigation and Employment Law Departments of the firm.
Partner and Head of Commercial Litigation, Stephen Nixon said, ‘Andrew has worked incredibly hard for this qualification and it’s a true testament to his commitment that he has completed it. We are excited to be offering our mediation services to all professional firms’.
Local Firm – National Recommendation
October 2017
Our firm has scored one of the best in a worldwide ranking scheme that recognises the industry’s best performers.
We have been ranked in the Legal 500 listing which is a guide to help clients choose the legal advisers who are the cream of the crop.
The firm’s Corporate and Commercial team made the list, in addition to special mentions for Managing Partner, David Evans and the Head of Corporate and Commercial team and, Healthcare Specialist, Sukie Shemar
Managing Partner, David Evans, said: “We’re extremely proud of our staff who have worked so hard to achieve this national recognition. It’s a great achievement for a local firm to have been recognised for the quality of our business.
“We are one of a few law firms in the West Midlands to have been endorsed by such a prestigious legal directory and it’s a testimony to the commitment and dedication of our staff.”
The Legal 500 assessors said Enoch Evans LLP’s Corporate and Commercial team was “very well informed, capable and conscientious”. In particular they praised Sukie Shemar, Head of Corporate and Commercial team “for handling the matters promptly and efficiently”. Significant praise was also given to her work done for Pharmacies in particular key client Medi-Zen Healthcare Services.
Healthcare Specialist, Sukie Shemar, said: “I’m truly overjoyed that we have been recognised, it’s taken years of hard work and dedication to get to this point and we only plan to work harder and move higher up the rankings.”
The Legal 500 listings have been published for more than 29 years and give a comprehensive overview of legal services worldwide.
They are compiled every year through independent researchers contacting thousands of UK law firm clients across the UK and referencing their feedback against the opinions of other commercial lawyers. The Legal 500 team also gathers information about client lists and the transactions handled by individual law firms.
Still Outstanding in Our Field
September 2017
Enoch Evans LLP recently sponsored the 8th annual Elford Scarecrow Festival, which saw around 7,500 visitors attend the well-established event.
A variety of scarecrows were on display, ranging from Humpty Dumpty to The Gruffalo, which was crowned the winner this year. As well as scarecrows, new attractions included; a birds of prey display, animals from Ash End Farm and a Lion, Witch & Wardrobe inspired display in the grounds of Howard Primary School.
The popular Scarecrow Festival has raised thousands of pounds for local causes over the years and has this year broken their fundraising records. Scarecrow Festival Chairwoman, Ursula Middlemore comments, “The festival is run entirely by volunteers and gives us an opportunity for us to give back to the local community. Each year we select a beneficiary close to our hearts. The weather was fantastic and it was incredible to see so many visitors flooding the usually sleepy roads of Elford”.
The event was considered a success in that their Facebook page has now received over 16,000 views and the event itself raised in excess of £20,000 for the village and local charities.
Enoch Evans LLP congratulates the organisers and entrants of the Elford Scarecrow Festival. In the near future we anticipate playing our part in other community events in the Black Country region.
Addition to Growing Family Department
August 2017
The Matrimonial and Family department have a new addition in the form of newly qualified solicitor Thomas Edwards.
Thomas began as a Trainee Solicitor with Enoch Evans LLP in August 2015 and has now successfully qualified. Following his studies at Nottingham Trent University, Thomas has spent the past six months developing his knowledge and experience in all aspects of private family law matters, including divorce, matrimonial finances, cohabitee disputes and private children act matters. Thomas now becomes the latest fully qualified member of the firm and will assist in developing and boosting the already excellent reputation of the growing department. On his recent appointment Thomas comments “I am extremely excited to have been offered a position within the Family team at Enoch Evans and look forward to getting to grips with some of the more complex cases dealt with by the firm following my admission to the roll of Solicitors.”
Regarding the new addition to her department Emma Birch, Partner and Head of Matrimonial and Family said “I’m really pleased that Tom is joining the Family department, adding to our expanding team. I feel that he will be an asset to the department and going forward will be dealing with private family work and assisting with the Child Care side of the department.”
Enoch Evans LLP are a constantly evolving and innovative law firm who provide a specialist range of legal services, ensuring all legal needs are catered for. Their other services include Wills, Tax and Probate, Company and Commercial, Commercial Property, Commercial Finance, Healthcare, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Wills, Residential Conveyancing, Criminal and Regulatory Offences.
Please contact Enoch Evans LLP on (01922) 720333, family@enoch-evans.co.uk or visit their website at www.enoch-evans.co.uk for more information.
New Legal Executive for Matrimonial & Family
July 2017
Legal Executive Andrew Wood has joined the Matrimonial & Family team.
Following positions at number of local firms, Andrew brings a wealth experience in to the Matrimonial and Family department and since qualifying has specialised in only Family Law. On joining the firm Andrew comments “I am pleased to be joining a well-established and accomplished department. Even before joining, I knew that the firm has an excellent reputation in providing clients with a high quality service. I look forward continuing to play my part in the success of the firm.”
Regarding the new addition to her department Emma Birch, Partner and Head of Matrimonial and Family said “Andrew is an experienced Legal Executive who is local to the area. He will be adding to the expanding private Family Law team and his work will include divorce, ancillary relief and children cases. We welcome his addition of experience and local knowledge to continue to help our clients.”
Enoch Evans LLP hosts Lord Chancellor
May 2017
David Evans with Liz Truss and Cllr Eddie Hughes
Cllr Eddie Hughes, Liz Truss and James Bird
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Liz Truss recently visited , where she spent an hour listening to and discussing concerns with senior solicitors from the firm, in a break from her campaigning visit to Walsall on Tuesday 16th May.
During her visit The Right Honourable Liz Truss discussed a variety of issues with Managing Partner David Evans, Head of Criminal, Chris Loach and Matrimonial and Family partner David Milne, including the Governments position with regard to Legal Aid, the future of the criminal justice system, the importance of preserving finance for Child Care work as well as the state of the court systems generally.
Enoch Evans LLP Managing Partner, David Evans said;
“It’s not every day you get to sit down with The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice and be asked for your opinion on a variety of issues which affect your own business”
“It was a great privilege to be able to act as host to a senior Government Minister and talk through real issues directly affecting many of our clients on a daily basis, both in business and their private lives as well as the systems within which we in the legal world have to work within.”
Liz Truss was accompanied by Cllr Eddie Hughes and newly appointed candidate James Bird, who all travelled to the offices at the invitation of the firm which was established in Walsall more than 130 years ago and has remained close to its roots in Walsall.
David Evans, Chris Loach and David Milne discussed with both local Conservative candidates their concerns about the future of Walsall and in particular the town centre development and need for improved transport infrastructure for local businesses to thrive.
WIQS Re-accreditation for Enoch Evans LLP
May 2017
Enoch Evans LLP is celebrating re-accreditation to the Law Society’s prestigious Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS).
The addition of the kite mark demonstrates to clients the guaranteed standard of service which is available within the Firm. Being part of WIQS reinforces the five star level of service clients have come to expect; an approach which Enoch Evans LLP displays throughout every department when dealing with matters for all its Clients.
As the largest provider of legal services in Walsall the accreditation reinforces the focus of the Firm to provide high quality personal, professional and practical legal advice, while setting high standards in quality client care. With the addition of WIQS the Firm sets itself apart from other Solicitors.
An integrated approach for smarter long term care solutions
April 2017
Enoch Evans LLP, is tackling the disparate nature of long term care provision with an integrated service to manage and co-ordinate the specific circumstances of patients and their families.
Enoch Evans LLP has launched a new division dedicated to improving long term care planning and allowing people to make informed choices for more beneficial care.
The service aims to give users a much clearer understanding of legal and financial options for care services and funding availability, helping them put more efficient plans in place to help meet care costs.
It includes a detailed analysis of patient needs and advice and guidance on long term care provision, including NHS Continuing Care Funding eligibility, sorting out care home fees or recovering care costs.
Richard Neea, Head of Probate from Enoch Evans LLP says; “Looking after the care needs and financial affairs of loved ones as they grow older presents a complex, sensitive set of challenges.
“Too often this involves having to deal with several different, unconnected organisations, which can be a stressful, emotional and protracted process for patients, carers and their families.
“We are giving elderly people and their families access to one-to-one, dedicated support to co-ordinate all aspects of their long term care. Research suggests a clear demand for this integrated approach.”
The service has been designed to meet the individual needs of patients with support tailored accordingly so that they can put more efficient plans in place to help meet care costs. Every client is allocated with a dedicated, experienced and professional advocate who supports them throughout the entire process.
“Our network of care specialists organise everything, from financial planning and legal arrangements to co-ordinating care provision and managing all of the complex paperwork,” adds Richard.
“We provide patients and their families with legal and financial solutions to help them make informed choices, cover costs and achieve the best possible long term care. We can also ensure family representatives have the appropriate legal powers to act in financial affairs.”
For further information about the new service, call 01922 720333 and ask for Richard Neea.
Wills, Tax & Probate Continues to Expand
April 2017
We have continued to expand our Probate team with the new appointment of Claire Magennis.