LAW
Teamwork – one of Jacksons’ greatest strengths is the collaborative approach between departments specialising in different areas of the law.
A MATTER OF
PICTURES: CHRIS BOOTH
TRUST
Jacksons’ partners share the secrets of the law firm’ s 150-year success story
Jacksons has been going strong on Teesside for 150 years and enjoys a glowing reputation as an independent law firm that cares.
In an age where everyone is an armchair expert through access to AI-generated information, rising client demands and ever-increasing new laws and regulations, Jacksons continues to evolve.
However, one key principle remains the same: the need to put people – both employees and clients – at the heart of everything.
In a recent roundtable discussion, the partners talked openly about what has changed in its 150-year history – and why its fundamental values are now more important than ever.
Our heart Head of operations Amie Callan says the Jacksons team are“ at the heart of what we do”.
“ Having a culture where people want to stay and be a part of something is important – because having the best people puts us in a position where we can give the best advice,” she says.
“ They are very much part of our culture and what they value most is succession planning in a safe and positive working environment where we are going to retain talent and grow from within.”
Head of legal Erica Turner says:“ It’ s really our people that set us apart from other firms.”
Working together Both the team and clients at Jacksons benefit from the firm’ s collaborative approach.
David Adams, the firm’ s newest partner, working in the corporate and commercial team, explains:“ In some law firms, the interaction between the teams is minimal, because everyone tries to protect their own client relationship.
“ Here, the client gets holistic legal advice because people are not reluctant to refer their clients to other teams.”
Toby Joel, partner and head of dispute resolution and debt recovery, believes this is a real USP, helping the firm win work and retain longstanding clients.
“ We ensure all our clients know that if they have a problem, they can call us and we can put them in touch with someone we know and trust,” he says.
Understanding our clients David has learned something important about client relations from the many accountants and financial advisers who refer to Jacksons.
“ Some of the best accountants will say:‘ I haven’ t seen you for a while. I’ m just in the area, can I pop in for a coffee?’,” he says.
“ I like to adopt that approach myself. You sit and have a chat with them and ask,‘ What’ s going on?’ and they might say,‘ Well, I have this employment issue...’
“ You get to understand their business and find out where the firm can add value – and this means they come back to you regularly. You understand your client’ s business fully and it’ s easier to advise on an outcome, proposal or solution.”
108 | Tees Business