Williamsons Solicitors Transitions to Employee Ownership
Deal News | Feb 03, 2025 | B Daily
Williamsons Solicitors, a law firm with offices in Hull, Driffield, and Bridlington, has transitioned to an employee-ownership trust model, marking a significant change in its leadership structure designed to fuel future growth. Under the new arrangement, 100% of the firm's shares have been transferred to solicitors Sarah Clubley and Jane Cousins, both of whom remain on the board of directors along with four trustees. This change is intended to maintain the firm’s collaborative culture, prevent acquisitions or management buyouts, and empower employees by giving them a stake in the firm's financial success. The transformation has been supported by Nigel Beckwith of Gosschalks Solicitors and Mike Beckett of Forrester Boyd. The move is expected to enhance employee involvement in decisions, attract top talent, and preserve the firm’s ethos.
Sectors
- Legal Services
- Employee Ownership
Geography
- United Kingdom – The law firm Williamsons Solicitors is based in Hull, Driffield, and Bridlington, indicating its operations are within the United Kingdom.
Industry
- Legal Services – The article focus is on a law firm, Williamsons Solicitors, and its transition to an employee ownership structure, which falls under the Legal Services sector.
- Employee Ownership – The article discusses the transition of Williamsons Solicitors to an employee-ownership trust model, highlighting trends in employee ownership within businesses.
Financials
- 100% shares transferred – The entire shareholding of Williamsons Solicitors has been transferred to the two directors under the employee-ownership model.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Williamsons Solicitors | Target Company | Company | A law firm that is transitioning to an employee-ownership trust model. |
| Sarah Clubley | Director/Shareholder | Person | A solicitor at Williamsons Solicitors who is now one of the shareholders and remains on the board of directors. |
| Jane Cousins | Director/Shareholder | Person | A solicitor at Williamsons Solicitors who is now one of the shareholders and remains on the board of directors. |
| Gosschalks Solicitors | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal support for the transition to employee ownership. |
| Nigel Beckwith | Legal Advisor | Person | A representative of Gosschalks Solicitors who supported the transaction. |
| Forrester Boyd | Advisor | Company | Advised on the transition to employee ownership. |
| Mike Beckett | Advisor | Person | A representative of Forrester Boyd who supported the transaction. |