A Bristol practice has launched its own national network for law firms to put clients in touch with help they cannot provide.

Thrings Link aims to provide clients with a safe and trusted pair of hands when firms are unable to help them directly because of a conflict of interest, limited capacity or lack of relevant expertise. Such clients will be referred to an appropriate adviser from the network redirected by a member of the Thrings Link team.

The network was officially founded at the firm’s Bristol office last week, with guests from firms across the region coming to hear more about the benefits of joining. Seven firms have signed up to the initiative and the ambition is for dozens more to join them.

Thrings

(L-R): Nikki Kenna (business development co-ordinator), Jo Campbell, and Simon Holdsworth (Thrings’ managing partner)

Jo Campbell, Thrings’ head of business development, said: ‘We know that every firm, regardless of its size or specialism, will sometimes find itself unable to assist a client directly. Through Thrings Link, we’re making those moments easier – giving lawyers a straightforward, compliant and relationship-focused way to refer work with confidence.

‘The legal profession works best when firms collaborate rather than compete unnecessarily, and our network allows everyone involved – firms and clients alike – to benefit, with lawyers knowing their clients and their relationships are in safe hands, wherever they are in the UK.’

Network members must sign up to a non-poaching pledge which protects the referring firm’s existing client relationship.

Members receive optional fee-share arrangements (where permitted by Solicitors Regulation Authority rules), reciprocal work referrals where appropriate and free access to webinars, seminars, newsletters and informal advice from Thrings’ legal and management teams.

Law firm networks are a growing feature of the legal sector as leaders push for collaboration over competition. One of the earliest schemes, Lawshare, was founded by JMW in 2011 and has more than 800 member law firms. The likes of VWV, FBC Manby Bowdler and Hugh James all run referral networks of their own.