Francis Clark client Amicus Law is a people focussed practice of lawyers and advocates which has bucked the trend of stagnation in the legal world by steadily growing since it was established in Taunton seven years ago.

After becoming somewhat disillusioned with the corporate style and impersonality of larger legal practices, Amicus was founded by lawyer Richard Haste and barrister James Mumford with the aim of growing  a firm based on the traditional principles of customer service supported by transparent and competitive fees and an ambition to become known as the only Somerset wide law firm.

Growth has been accompanied by the appointment of a new tax planning and private client partner David Satchell, the opening of new offices in Minehead, Bridgwater and Yeovil and a move from the firm’s original town centre premises to Rumwell Hall on the outskirts of Taunton where the firm has joined a thriving business community located in a former Georgian mansion amid stunning parkland.

Partner Richard Haste explained: “Private individuals are attracted to us because of the personal attention we give them and a fee structure based on the tasks to be done and not an hourly rate.  By driving overheads down, we have made our fees very competitive and we don’t indulge in finding excuses to add costs if acting for a client suddenly demands unsocial hours or unplanned travel.

”This client positive attitude is winning us new instructions and a lot of repeat business and referrals.”

Amicus Law is also enjoying a growing reputation for specialist legal advice and retain a number of high profile lawyers on a consultancy basis allowing them to offer quality advice while still controlling costs.  Specialist services include an agricultural practice, landlord & tenant work, care homes, regulatory advice and the firm has recently taken on a city trained employment lawyer.

Richard Haste continued: “We are ambitious to grow but in a controlled way and this may be achieved through acquisition or merger.  We aim to attract lawyers of exceptional experience and expertise and the quality of life they can expect alongside a high quality of work is second to none.

“We are on track and can already claim to be the only law practice that services the whole of Somerset.”

Francis Clark partner, Richard Kennedy, is full of admiration for what Amicus has achieved. He said, we have advised the firm throughout its development and as it has expanded into new offices across Somerset. 

“The partners’ ambitions to grow do not come at any cost.  The partners realise the threat posed to smaller firms through the Legal Services Act which allows legal services to be offered through alternative business structures and they intend to combat this and competition from large law practices by providing unmatchable customer care and creating a culture which is led by the quality of the service they provide.

“Their ambitions are backed up by actions and I anticipate Amicus will continue to grow especially as they are being recognised as the law firm in Somerset, for Somerset.”

Richard Haste added: “We are very grateful to Richard Kennedy and his team at Francis Clark for their support and guidance.  Being associated with a firm of their stature has also helped us get on the radar of very many people and businesses and we are very happy about that.”