Co-op Legal has ‘ambitious’ growth plan

Co-operative Legal Services (CLS) has launched a recruitment drive as part of ‘ambitious plans’ to expand in the consumer legal services market.

The move follows CLS’s submission, at the start of the year, of its application to become an alternative business structure. It is seeking solicitors, legal executives, trainees and LPC graduates to fill roles across the business. Most of the 150 jobs, which will increase staff numbers by a third, will be at its Bristol headquarters, while others will be based at its new family law unit in London.

CLS managing director Eddie Ryan said: ‘We have ambitious plans for our business and we want people with ambitions to match. The Legal Services Act will change the way in which legal services are delivered in England and Wales, and we are going to be playing a leading role in the new era.’

CLS, established in 2006, is part of the Co-operative Group, the UK’s largest mutual business with a turnover of £13.7bn and more than 5,000 retail outlets. The legal arm employs around 450 staff offering personal injury, will-writing, probate and estate administration, conveyancing and employment services to Co-op members.

Last November, CLS announced its intention to offer a new family law service, spearheaded by leading family lawyers from London firm TV Edwards.

Law Society council member Christina Blacklaws was appointed to lead the new service, with TV Edwards managing partner Jenny Beck heading the unit’s professional practice, and Chris May, the firm’s former head of business development and strategy, leading its business development arm.

CLS, which launched an advertising campaign promoting its legal services in 2009, aims to become the preferred provider of consumer legal services in the UK.

In 2010, CLS reported a profit of £3.9m on a turnover of £24.2m. In the first half of 2011, revenues increased by 22% and profits by 3%.

CLS will not be able to offer family services until its ABS application has been approved by the SRA. Blacklaws told the Gazette that the Co-operative was ‘hopeful, but not complacent’ that approval will be forthcoming.