‘Alternative’ firm applies to be ABS

A self-styled ‘alternative’ law firm which acts for companies such as BSkyB and Nike plans to become an alternative business structure.

Halebury has a roster of 14 lawyers contracted to the firm but working on a consultancy basis in-house with corporate clients. The firm was founded in 2007 with a view to ABS status by former Charles Russell solicitors Janvi Patel and Denise Nurse.

As well as businesses in the technology, media, telecoms and sports sectors, Halebury lawyers also advise sports stars such as golfer Rory McIlroy and Olympic gold medalist Ben Ainslie.

Nurse (pictured) told the Gazette the ABS application was intended to bring a business developer into the management structure and to attract external investment. The firm also wants to expand in the UK and internationally with its non-traditional formula.

Patel added: ‘Clients receive a combination of hands-on commercial and legal advice from senior lawyers at a competitive rate; solicitors enjoy working with great clients on the frontline, with full autonomy and complete flexibility to run their practice.’

The ABS application is to be made within the coming weeks and could be approved later this year.

Earlier this month, Solicitors Regulation Authority chief executive Antony Townsend said over 200 firms have expressed an interest in applying to be an ABS, with 130 applications received. Of these, 30 have reached an advanced stage with the application fee paid, and eight have been successful.