On the 20th January 2017, O’Donnell Solicitors celebrated it’s One Year Anniversary.
For twelve months O’Donnell Solicitors have provided straight talking legal advice to the local community and throughout the north west and beyond, but how has the firm grown from being a just a vision to the thriving law firm it is today?
The firm’s doors first opened on the 20th January 2016 and the firm has grown at an astonishing rate. The firm was the realisation of a vision James and Rebecca O’Donnell had always held. With over 18 years combined legal experience, in November 2015 they took the bold decision to exit another regional firm, where James and Rebecca were both Partners, Directors and Head of Departments, to pursue their own dream of a fresh, contemporary Law Firm. After locating (with the assistance of Local Agents Breakey Nuttall) and renovating the old NatWest Bank in Lees, they realised their vision and took the leap of faith. They both anticipated a lead in period of around twelve to eighteen months in which time they would build their case load and re-engage with their existing connections. With only one assistant and a part time accounts manager they planned organic growth. The last twelve months have however seen staggering growth for the firm.
In May 2016, the firm opened its second branch office in Uppermill. Rebecca O’Donnell heads up the office with the assistance of Grace Moston. Grace has worked with Rebecca previously and has over twenty years’ experience in handling volume Conveyancing transactions. Grace was appointed Senior Conveyancing Executive in September 2016 and Louise Howles joined the practice as a Legal Secretary based in Uppermill in November. Louise has worked in the legal sector for over 20 years and brings a wealth of experience with her. In May 2016 Trish Schofield was appointed as PA for James O’Donnell to assist with his commercial practice. James remained at the Lees branch of the firm. Trish has an excellent background in the commercial and Legal Sector and has proven to be invaluable in assisting James service his many Business and Personal clients.
In June 2016 Suzzanne Gardener was appointed as a Paralegal at the firm after completing her Legal Practice Course in Manchester and she accepted a Training Contract which commenced in November 2016. The firm further expanded in July 2016 with the appointment of Anthony Jones as Head of a new Family Department. Anthony moved to O’Donnell Solicitors from a city centre firm and soon impressed. In November 2016, Anthony was appointed as a Director and his client base has continued to expand. Anthony attracts high net worth clients in financial relief disputes, as well as acting in children cases, divorce and separation and cross border child abduction cases. He is well respected in his fields.
Stephen Foster was appointed as Head of Accounts in May 2016. Stephen had recently retired after working in Legal Finance for many years and joined O’Donnell Solicitors as a part time accounts manager proving to be a valuable asset to the firm. However, due to the fast-paced expansion of the firm, Christopher Lowe was appointed as Head of Accounting on a full-time basis in January 2017. Christopher had recently moved from international firm DWF LLP as a head of accounts. Christopher has phenomenal experience in Legal Finance and is a welcome new addition to the team.
The firm is committed to helping local causes. Throughout 2016, the firm raised money for Ronald McDonald House and The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital by participating in local sporting events. O’Donnell Solicitors is the official sponsor of Mossley AFC Running Club and in 2016 sponsored the now acclaimed Mossley 10k running event. The firm will be sponsoring this event again in 2017 also and is proud to be an official sponsor of the Oldham Business Awards in 2017. Throughout 2017, the firm is raising money for the charity ‘Maggie’s’ and James, Anthony and Suzzanne are running in the gruelling Tour of Tameside. Donations to Maggie’s would be gratefully received at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ODonnellTourofTameside
Over the next 12 months the firm is planning further expansion in the area with an objective to continue to grow and develop its relationships with clients and businesses. We would like to thank all of our clients, friends and colleagues and all those who have supported the development of O’Donnell Solicitors over the past 12 months and we look forward to continuing in our quest to provide straight talking legal advice to business’ and individuals.
