“ We ’ ve advised in some of the most significant property transactions in the region , including for the likes of Teesside Airport , PD Ports and Scott Bros .” construction lawyer , which is a specialism other local firms can only provide via external consultants , an agricultural specialist and the ability to handle significant property and secured lending portfolios .
“ We ’ ve advised in some of the most significant property transactions in the region , including for the likes of Teesside Airport , PD Ports and Scott Bros .
“ Last year , we had our highest revenue year at £ 1.25m and we ’ re aiming to beat that this year .”
Keen to innovate , Jacksons is constantly investing in the improvement of the IT that underpins its business and now employs an in-house specialist in legal IT systems .
But Jacksons also recognises a firm is only as good as its employees and efforts are continually made to ensure the 80-plus staff are looked after and given chances to progress in their careers .
With an eye to the future , a new scholarship , launched with Teesside University , will provide financial support to a legal student from an underprivileged background for the duration of their university study , while Jacksons ’ first solicitor apprentice ( a new pathway to qualification as a solicitor ) will start in September .
The firm ' s younger members of staff have established “ The NEtwork ”, a professional networking group for under-30s .
And a more flexible " hybrid ' way of working has been welcomed by all staff .
Erica explained : “ Often , particularly in law firms , the fee-earning staff members will have the ability to work flexibly but the support staff are expected to be to be ‘ bums on seats ’ – ready at the printer and the copier – whereas we ’ ve allowed our support staff to work flexibly and it ’ s gone down very well .”
Challenges remain , of course . In residential property , for example , supply shortages affecting developers can result in delays in completing new build purchases , while the rising cost of living is effecting mortgage rates , creating additional pressure to complete transactions within mortgage offer periods .
Jonathan says : “ The challenges of the modern housing market mean that it ’ s a completely different kind of assistance that we now provide to our clients compared to the traditional conveyancing service of years gone by .
“ But we ’ re trying to help people through a difficult time and I think that ’ s what we try to get across – we care about them , the experience that they ’ re going through and the expectations they have .
“ For most people , it ’ s the largest investment in their life and it ’ s realising that and putting yourself in their position , rather than thinking of it as just another transaction .”
And with two awards recently under its belt , Jacksons Law Firm is confidently looking to the future .
Jonathan said : “ The huge improvements we ’ ve made within our residential property team are symptomatic of the progress that the firm as a whole is making .
“ For example , we ’ ve seen some real improvements in areas such as our wills and probate and family law offerings and we ’ re continually trying to make even better the things that we are already good at .”
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