Michelmores celebrates 130 years of growth and innovation

 Established in Exeter in 1887, Michelmores is celebrating its 130th anniversary year − making it one of the oldest independent law firms in the Top 100.

As the Firm enters its 14th decade in business, Michelmores has achieved its sixth year of consecutive growth, led by Managing Partner Malcolm Dickinson. The Firm has achieved sustained growth across its three strategic sectors, Private Wealth, Finance & Investment and Real Estate and advises clients across the UK and internationally.

In 2005, the Firm moved from its office at Cathedral Yard – a building which was sadly lost to the Exeter Fire in October 2016 – to a 50,000 sq. ft. purpose-built space on Pynes Hill Business Park, to support its continued expansion. The Firm also has offices in London and Bristol and now employs 430 people.

Simon Barnett, Partner and Head of Michelmores' Private Client department, who celebrated 30 years with the Firm in August, commented:

"Moving into our new office at Pynes Hill is undoubtedly a highlight of my time at Michelmores so far – we knew at that point that the Firm was going places. I've had the pleasure to work with some fantastic South West clients, many of whom followed us on this journey and are still with us today.

"The biggest change I have seen to the Firm apart from our growth in terms of headcount, is that we have had to embrace and invest in technology and systems. 30 years ago, we had typewriters, paper brochures and no website. My room at Cathedral Yard had only one window and my desk was propped up with wooden blocks to make up for the uneven floor.

"However, many of the good things that were part of Michelmores' DNA when I first arrived have stayed the same. I think we have managed to tread a fine line between introducing new ways of working, whilst still making Michelmores a great place to work."

Amongst the Firm's many recent highlights, Michelmores was named a top 15 legal employer in the Legal Week Best Employers Report and a 'One Star' organisation in the Sunday Times' Best Companies Report.

The Firm continues to host key events now firmly set in the Exeter calendar, including the Michelmores 5k Charity Run, which, now in its 18th year, saw over 1,100 people cross the finish line at this year's event on 7 September. The Run has raised over £300,000 for local charities since its inception. In addition, the Michelmores Property Awards, now in their fifteenth year, showcase and celebrate the best of the South West's property and construction industry.

In January this year, the Firm appointed Andrew Oldland QC as its new Senior Partner, the first Barrister to hold this role within a Top 100 law firm.

Malcolm Dickinson, Managing Partner commented: "Michelmores is a firm that embraces change and innovation. We continue to grow and develop at pace with the changing landscape of the legal industry around us.

"We seek out individuals with entrepreneurial spirit who take initiative and spot the gaps to develop great ideas. It is an exciting time, both for the Firm and for the legal industry as a whole, and we are looking forward to what the future holds.

"Thank you to all of our great clients, old and new, for supporting us in our journey. Here's to the next 130 years!"