Bath legal and financial planning firm Mogers Drewett has created a new people development role and made several new appointments following a year of record growth.
Turnover at the firm, which also has offices in Wells, Sherborne and Frome, increased by 10% last year.
This has allowed it to invest further in its people, including the appointment of experienced employee development and coaching specialist Ben Morris as its first head of people and performance.
Pictured: Ben Morris, left, with managing partner Sean McDonough and new partner Robin Phillips
The role has been created to develop the diverse range of talent within the firm.
Mogers Drewett has also recruited experienced residential property lawyer Robin Phillips as a partner along with four trainee solicitors.
Ben Morris joins from the Bristol office of international law firm DAC Beachcroft, where he spent nine years as head of employee relations.
A fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management, he also has qualifications in cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness.
Ben said: “This is an exciting new role for Mogers Drewett and I’m looking forward to supporting colleagues at all levels of the business to maximise their strengths and ensuring we continue to deliver great outcomes for all our clients.
Pictured: New trainees, from left, Charlotte Padfield, Harry Durston and Scarlet Clemens
“Too often firms mix up outcomes and performance but what really matters to clients is delivering a truly great service.”
Robin Phillips previously spent 28 years at Bath law firm Mowbray Woodwards and then Stone King following the merger of the two in 2019.
He also sits as a part-time judge for the Mental Health Review Tribunal and also the Residential Property Tribunal and will combine these commitments with his work at Mogers Drewett.
Robin said: “Having got to know the team at Mogers Drewett over the years, I’m delighted to be joining a firm that is committed to providing an outstanding personal service.
“Whether you are a first-time buyer or a property investor, or looking to remortgage, we can provide the expert legal advice you need.”
The new trainees are Scarlet Clemens, Harry Durston, Charlotte Padfield and Daniel Cockhead. Mogers Drewett is part-funding their law school studies as part of an initiative to attract and develop young talent.
Mogers Drewett managing partner Sean McDonough said: “We’ve got a brilliant team here and it’s really important that our fee earners are free to focus on delivering great outcomes for our clients.
“The addition of Ben in this new role will help us enhance this approach and ensure our talented people, whatever their age and background, can develop and flourish.
“We’re also really pleased to welcome Robin, who has a wealth of conveyancing experience and an unrivalled knowledge of the Bath property market.
“We also wish our new trainees every success as they embark on their legal careers at what is a hugely exciting time for the firm.”
Mogers Drewett was formed in 2014 through the merger of single office Bath firm Mogers and Somerset and Dorset firm Dyne Drewett. Both could trace their histories back to the 19th century.
It employs nearly 100 people across its three offices, providing a full range of legal services for businesses and individuals.
In March this year it acquired Bath-based boutique private client practice firm Freemans Solicitor following the decision of its founder Shaun Freeman to retire.
