Newbury firm Fenton Elliott Solicitors expands into family law

Newbury law firm Fenton Elliott Solicitors has doubled in size this year with recent hires and is now offering not only employment law advice but also family law as well.

The firm is run by Simon Fenton, one of the region’s leading employment lawyers, and earlier this year the firm’s success was underlined with the hire of Julie Taylor.

Julie had spent her entire career with Gardner Leader solicitors, starting 20 years ago, where she rose from trainee to being the partner in charge of the Employment Department.

While it may seem like a risk, leaving an established high street law firm for a niche practice, Julie believes that in a dynamic business environment “not taking risks is the biggest long term risk”.

But the firm’s success does not stop there as they have now branched out into offering family law advice through the acquisition of Chris Sutton, previously the partner who set up, grew and managed the Newbury office of KJ Smith Solicitors.

Simon Fenton, managing partner, says: “Family law has great synergy with employment law as they are both about helping people.

“I have known Chris for more than 10 years.

“I knew he would be a perfect fit because he, Julie and I all share the same approach – straightforward and no-nonsense.

“Equally I know that Chris tirelessly works for his clients in relation to divorce, domestic abuse and child arrangement affairs.”

Chris Sutton, excited about being able to lead a new family law offering in Newbury, says: “Simon approached each of us directly because he knew he wanted Julie and me for our skills, knowledge and principles; we were cherry picked to help take this firm to new heights and successes and it’s very flattering.”

Interestingly, Chris is a family lawyer with a genuine difference because he first trained as a barrister.

This means he can offer not only expert advice on progressing a case, but he is able to stand up and represent his clients in court too; meaning they can avoid meeting a barrister at court for the first time just moments before their hearing begins.

Essentially, Chris will be with you all the way through to a resolution.

It also means he can undertake emergency hearings, where many other solicitors will have to rush to find any available barrister.

Simon said: “In a small, focussed team we can really be the best and do the best for our clients, without distraction.

“We don’t sponsor a sports team, have a marketing department or let things get tied up in layers of management.

“We are all simply really good lawyers, focussing on our clients.

“Julie and I have 50 years experience as specialist employment lawyers and with Chris joining us we can add another decade of experience in the family law field.

“What experience provides is depth of knowledge and the confidence that, while each case is unique, it’s probably similar to something we’ve done before.”

This ‘small but mighty’ law firm is really looking to shake up legal services in West Berkshire and pack a punch with their approach.

Fenton Elliott Solicitors offer family law clients a free initial consultation, and they are one of only a handful of firms in the whole Thames Valley who do so.

Fenton Elliott Solicitors are based on Greenham Business Park, with free parking at their office for clients, but they also offer remote consultations by telephone or video.

For employment and family law expertise, the successfully expanding Fenton Elliott Solicitors are Newbury’s rising stars.

Anyone wishing to contact the firm can find out more information on the company website www.fentonelliott.co.uk