Fletchers Solicitors was formed as a partnership between Mr Robert Arnold Fletcher and Mrs Valerie Irene Clumpus in November 1987. Mr Fletcher had previously been the litigation partner in a general firm and the partner and staff who commenced employment with the Firm had all been members of the litigation service which the partners did not feel could be provided within the ambit of a generally based firm whose emphasis was on conveyancing. At the commencement of the Firm there were three solicitors, including the two partners, each of whom had a different area of expertise. Mrs Clumpus was to concentrate on matrimonial and employment law, Mr Rory McCormack on criminal work and Mr Fletcher on road traffic accident work and general civil law.
In the twenty years since the foundation of the Firm, the firm has expanded dramatically during what has been a difficult period for many. During this period, specialisation within the various departments has increased and, in particular, the road traffic accident department has increased to a size where it has had to be divided into two sections, one dealing solely with motor car claims and the other dealing solely with motorbike claims, which involves some very serious personal injury work.
In 1987 the Firm acquired property on Lord Street, Southport within the conservation area, dating back to 1835, this had the benefit of a large modern double storey extension at the rear, together with car parking space. Whilst this was in excess of the firm's needs at the time, it provided scope for expansion and has enabled the Firm's expansion throughout the period to take place without the normal pressure of space, which would be associated with such expansion. In 1989 the partners were able to purchase adjoining property, the ground floor of which was let off on a five year lease with the first floor remaining vacant for expansion purposes. The acquisition of this property enabled the two front gardens to be converted into a car park with spaces for 8 vehicles, which is kept for clients. Within the Southport area, this is an enormous bonus. In 1993, the first floor was incorporated into the existing building and then in 1995 the remaining part of the building was taken over following the expiration of the lease.
A further office at Hoghton House, 54 Hoghton Street, Southport was opened in December 1996.
In late 1998 space was again becoming rather cramped and a lease of the ground floor at 164 Lord Street was taken and the RTA (bike) department moved in mid-January 1999. Unfortunately this was a short-term acquisition, which meant a further relocation of departments and in September 1999 the RTA (Bike) Department moved into the Hoghton House premises.
Within its nineteen years of development the Firm has established itself firmly within the Southport area as a leading litigation firm with its road traffic accident, matrimonial and criminal partners almost certainly handling more than any other firm within the town.
The growth had, however, been achieved on the basis of a direct "hands on" management style, which had been suitable and acceptable for a smaller type of practice. The partners however, realised that the continued growth of the Firm could not take place on an ad hoc basis without a formal management structure and this is has now been put into place to enable a more formal style of management to be adopted. This continues to be developed. The Firm has the benefit of a Legal Aid Franchise and has Investors in People accreditation. A Lexcel Accreditation was awarded in 2003.
A Practice Manager was appointed in 1995.
In 2004 the criminal department formed its own practice namely Halliwell & McCormack Solicitors.
The Practice no longer takes crime work.
On the 1st October 2007 Fletchers Solicitors became a limited company and is now trading as "Fletchers Solicitors Ltd" company No. 5743784.
The main aim and purpose of the Firm is to attempt to become a leading litigation firm, not only within the immediate locality of Southport, but also within the North West of England and the adoption of this plan by all the directors and staff will ensure the successful achievement of this aim. The Directors are the designated heads of each particular department.
As with all similar practices, the ownership of the firm rests with the one Managing Director, Mr Fletcher and one Consultant, Mrs Clumpus, with Mr E Fletcher and Mr Threlfall salaried Directors. Management and decision-making are carried out on a collective basis between the Directors and the Management Team.
Management roles within the partnership are as follows: -
Mr R Fletcher - Managing Director/Finance Director/Complaints Director/Client Care Director
Mrs V I Clumpus - Consultant/Employment
Mr R A Fletcher – Mr S Threlfall - Head of RTA and Director
Mr E Fletcher - Head of Serious Injuries Department and Director
Management Team:
Mr R Fletcher, Mr E Fletcher, Mr D Taylor, Mr B Mills, Mr A Clark and Mr S Threlfall –
All Directors are staff training and appraisal supervisors and all Directors are case supervisors. The Firm is a specialist litigation practice and the main areas of legal service are as
follows: -
Road Traffic Accident - car and bike
Litigation
Conveyancing
Miscellaneous