Recruits at expanding Smithson bolster key sectors

Jan 30 2008 by Iain Laing, The Journal

SMITHSON Law Firm has expanded with the appointment of two new staff to bolster key departments.

The Newcastle firm, which was launched last October, has been recruiting steadily to concentrate on commercial law services including commercial property, rural business and joint ventures to city and rural business contacts throughout the north of England. The firm also offers a debt recovery and service charge collection core.

Terence Robson’s appointment as head of residential conveyancing adds weight to the firm’s residential and commercial property operations, while its commercial debt recovery department is strengthened by experienced fee- earner Rachael Smurthwaite, who moves from Newcastle firm Watson Burton to take up the role of department manager. Senior partner Michael Smithson said: “We are bolstering and expanding a number of our key areas as planned – property services and business debt recovery – with these appointments. We have also continued our investment in the technical services provided to clients, such as our online case management tracker system and electronic conveyancing costs calculator. Following the autumn’s credit crisis and as a result of the ongoing turbulent financial climate, we are seeing an increasing number of businesses focusing on debt recovery services.

“Taking a bigger percentage of the market share of these customers is a long-term strategy of Smithson Law Firm, as is offering a high-quality but sensibly-priced product.

“Businesses are, more than ever before, scrutinising their sales ledgers and targeting errant debtors. We are poised to deliver successful results on their behalf, giving our clients a competitive edge.

“These recruits bring a combination of fresh blood, innovative thinking and technical legal excellence into Smithson Law Firm as the practice continues to go from strength to strength.”

Terence Robson, who joins from Leeds firm Brooke North, said: “It is good to be part of this law firm whose ethos is one of ensuring excellent services to the client backed by up-to-date technology and IT. I am delighted to be part of such an innovative and caring legal service.”

Rachael Smurthwaite, who graduated in 2007 and is undertaking continued studies at Northumbria University to become a lawyer, said: “I’m excited to be joining Smithson Law Firm and look forward to the challenge of business debt recovery after working in consumer debt recovery.

“I look forward to maintaining relationships with the firm’s existing clients and to providing the excellent service that the firm’s clients have grown to expect. I also hope to be able to help bring new clients to the firm and extend our services.”