Law firm answering the SOS calls over employment red tape

A NICHE law firm is set to hire more staff after establishing a service for Yorkshire companies who are struggling to cope with employment red tape.

Doncaster-based Shore Stewart has joined forces with wealth management firm Lawrence Scoffield to create Employment SOS, a package that helps to protect companies against the threat of expensive litigation.

The business was founded by directors Kate Stewart and Michelle Shore in February 2011.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In its first 18 months, the firm has attracted 100 clients, and also won the New Start Up award at the 2011 Doncaster Chamber Business Awards.

Shore Stewart acts mainly for the SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) business market by providing advice on employment law and commercial litigation.

According to Ms Stewart and Ms Shore, their success shows that small law firms can still thrive in a tough market place.

Employment specialist Ms Shore said: “Kate and I had worked together before (at Richmonds Solicitors), we were from similar backgrounds and grew up in Doncaster.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We specialise in niche areas and don’t dabble in areas that are outside our remit. We are so niche that we are not a threat to other law firms.”

Ms Shore heads up the firm’s employment and HR services department, while Ms Stewart is in charge of the litigation and dispute resolution department.

When the business started there were just four staff, but the firm plans to hire two more in response to demand.

“Our immediate plan is to have more support staff,” said Ms Shore. “Our long-term plan is to increase the size of the existing departments.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We have found that the employment and litigation departments have been equally busy.”

Last year, Shore Stewart joined with other professionals across Yorkshire to provide a service which focuses on the issues that affect older clients and their businesses.

The Elderflower service brought together solicitors, financial advisers and accountants.

They are working together to provide advice for those planning for retirement or who are retir- ed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Shore Stewart’s latest venture – Employment SOS – will provide companies with long-term help managing grievance and disciplinary matters.

If a dispute leads to an employment tribunal, Shore Stewart will provide legal representation.

As part of the package, Leeds-based Lawrence Scoffield will work with the client to provide a level of indemnity that will protect them from the costs of legal fees and compensation linked to tribunal cases.

It’s hoped that around 50 per cent of the firm’s client base will use Shore Stewart’s employment law services.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ms Stewart, who is a former president of JCI (Junior Chamber International) Doncaster, said: “We are chilled out and approachable solicitors. We can see clients at 7am or 9pm at their premises or ours.

“We aren’t grey men in grey suits – we are a dynamic duo of passionate and committed women who are determined to grab the legal market and shake it up.”

Related topics: