Liverpool Law February 14 February 2014 | Page 10

10 Local News Rowlinsons Solicitors pick up fourth award to end 2013 on a high Double success at the Sunday Times awards Weightmans LLP receives Alternative Business Structure Licence Top 50 national law firm Weightmans LLP has received an Alternative Business Structure (ABS) Licence as approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The firm applied for the licence on the basis that it would allow them to recruit non-solicitor Partners. It was awarded the licence by meeting a number of criteria, which included its ability to demonstrate competence, character and willingness to achieve the right results for clients. John Schorah, Weightmans Managing Partner said: “We are delighted to receive our ABS licence ahead of the new year. This approved business model, confirms our total dedication to being as versatile and flexible as we possibly can, to ensure we can grow, change and adapt providing a high quality and coherent service for our clients.” Penny Smith- TV Presenter & Awards Host, Stephanie Payne – Conveyancing Executive at Rowlinsons, Tom Parkinson – Director and Head of Residential Property at Rowlinsons, Joanna Swash – Commercial Director at Moneypenny. The ABS business model provides businesses with an opportunity to expand into alternative markets and sectors, resulting in new products and services. Rowlinsons Solicitors enhanced their already rising reputation by picking up two accolades at the Sunday Times Estate Agency of the Year Awards in December, which completed the law firm's collection of awards for 2013. The solicitors practice took home the Gold Award for Best Large Conveyancer of the Year which was followed by the Overall UK Conveyancer of the Year Award. Earlier in 2013 the Cheshire based firm was recognised at the Liverpool Law Society Awards when its Property Department also secured the Property Team of the Year title. Rowlinsons co-director Tom Parkinson, who is also Head of Residential Property at the firm, picked up the Sunday Times awards at the event in London's Lancaster Hotel. He said: "At the start of 2013 we didn't set our sights on winning these ]