A top Midlands law firm is rising to the multiple challenges of the COVID-19 lockdown thanks to its experienced leadership.

Nick O’Hara, the managing director of Thursfields Solicitors, has just celebrated 41 years at the company, and has no intention of letting the current pandemic stop the company’s expansion.

He began his career as a trainee solicitor at Thursfields and since then has held many different roles, climbing the ladder to lead the company since 2008.

Recalling how times have changed, Mr O’Hara said: “My original contract of employment at Thursfields required me to own a suit comprising a black coat and waistcoat with striped trousers.

“You may be forgiven for thinking this was a contract from Dickensian times, but in fact this was the state of play in 1970s law firms.

“The world has moved on so much since then, as has the legal sector, and Thursfields has only continued to grow by making sure it keeps up with those changes.

“That ongoing flexibility proves crucial at times of uncertainty like we’ve experienced in recent weeks, when being ready and able to take the long-term view can be so valuable.

“Economic crises come and go, markets and regulation change and shift, and yes, one day soon, a new normality will return once the current restrictions are lifted.

“This is exactly when the practice of constantly learning pays off, always expecting the unexpected, and preparing to adapt to whatever comes. That approach really is the key to survival and future success in business.”

Mr O’Hara explained that Thursfields was currently assisting many of its small and medium-sized business clients to make sure they also adapt to cope with the current pandemic.

He said: “For any business owner at this time, the impact of COVID-19 and market uncertainty is likely to require a re-think of their business planning.

“In the short term, it’s about making sure the finances stack up and communicating well with clients and colleagues alike.

“In the medium term, it’s about looking at what opportunities may have presented themselves and being sufficiently agile as a business to respond to changing market forces. 

“The professional services sector is perhaps more traditional than most, but unexpected circumstances, like a recession or a pandemic, force the pace of change, and that disruption in the marketplace can often lead to a positive outcome for those who embrace it.

“As a progressive law firm, we had already embraced flexible and agile working. The recent pandemic just required us to scale up our efforts which, thanks to our dedicated IT colleagues, we were able to do at pace.

“Lawyers have had to adapt their interaction with clients, making use of virtual meetings and more electronic communications, but this has been well received and clients have appreciated the speed and efficiency of working this way.”

Mr O’Hara added: “The main thing is that Thursfields can advise on whatever our clients need – from Wills to commercial property contracts, from employment to family law, and from corporate decision-making to matrimonial disputes.

“And while the entire marketplace adapts, our experts continue to provide guidance in agriculture, charities, energy and healthcare sectors, as well as in new homes, retail and leisure, and telecommunications.”

Contacts for legal advice in all areas can be found at www.thursfields.co.uk.

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For further information, please contact:

Dani James, Business Development Manager, Thursfields Solicitors

Email: djames@thursfields.co.uk Tel: 01905 677066

Or

Steve Dyson at ASAP PR – 01789 490786.

www.thursfields.co.uk, Twitter – @Thursfields, LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/company/thursfields

Notes to Editors

Thursfields Solicitors is one of the region’s longest established and reputable law firms, with more than 150 staff in six offices across Worcestershire and the West Midlands. Thursfields Solicitors provides a full range of legal services to business and the private individual, including property, family, employment and commercial law as well as probate and litigation. The firm has offices in Worcester, Kidderminster, Halesowen, Sedgley, Solihull and Birmingham.