Law firm Mezzle shuts its Felixstowe office February 28, following the Hadleigh closure. Clients are impacted amid a changing legal landscape.
The legal sector is undergoing significant changes, with firms both shrinking and merging to survive tough times.
Goody Burrett, a firm located in Colchester with a history spanning hundreds of years, closed down in December. Leonard Curtis is managing its closure.
Guy Longhurst of Ellisons Solicitors says closures reflect the current conditions. Ellisons has multiple offices in Colchester, Ipswich, and London.
Longhurst believes small firms are struggling for profit due to tight margins, strict legal rules and fees, and the difficulty of recruiting staff.
Mezzle still has offices open in Ipswich and Woodbridge. Some clients expressed dissatisfaction about changes, including the sale of their wills part of the business, now owned by Right Legal Group. Title deeds moved from Hadleigh to secure storage, upsetting some clients.
Bates Wells opened a pop-up office at the Hadleigh library to assist clients after the Mezzle closure. The Felixstowe office had two lawyers and admin staff. They will continue to serve clients remotely.
Mezzle states its commitment to clients and addressing their needs, offering flexible service. Lawyers are available for meetings in Ipswich or Woodbridge, and virtual meetings are also an option.
Gotelee Solicitors, established in 1880, was acquired by Mezzle. Mezzle has offices in London and Dubai and the 90 Gotelee staff joined Mezzle.
Mezzle, founded by Mel Kang and Raj Sumal, is a newer firm. Both founders previously worked at large law firms.
Small town firms face challenges, Longhurst explains, as many clients still desire local service. Older individuals often prefer having an adviser nearby.
Ellisons is growing to address these issues. While they closed branches in Clacton and Harwich, they retained Frinton-on-Sea.
Finding and keeping talent is essential, which is difficult in small branch offices. Ellisons has apprentices but needs experienced lawyers. Larger offices facilitate training and open workspaces foster collaboration.
Ellisons took over Gross and Co in 2019 and Blocks in 2020, contributing to their growth. They had about 100 staff previously and now have around 280 staff.
Size matters, says Longhurst. Firms are expanding through mergers. Small firms face challenges which causes disruption for clients.