A new model law firm led by the former head of international firm DWF has announced a merger with a high-end London practice.

Describing itself as a ‘distributed’ law firm, arch.law was founded in 2021 by Andrew Leaitherland, who had been chief executive at DWF. It offers other firms or individuals the chance to form their own personal service company as a sub-contractor for arch.law and keep the majority of the fees billed.

The latest to join the business is the five-strong Mayfair Rise Solicitors, led by litigation specialist Sally Marsden and which targets high net-worth clients.

Marsden, a former partner with Pannone LLP in Manchester, said: ‘I’ve watched the arch.law model with interest over the past year. It attracted us as it’s an excellent platform to further support our clients and will provide access to a wider range of services at cost effective rates.

Sally Marsden arch.law

Litigation specialist Sally Marsden

‘Building the Mayfair Rise business is a key goal for us and one that we will certainly achieve within the arch.law model as we leave behind the distractions of running a regulated law firm.’

The Mayfair Rise team, including solicitor Robyn Barron and trainee Rebekah Leech, will continue to work from the firm’s office in Mayfair Place in what will be known as a ‘collaboration hub’ for arch.law in the capital.

The idea of arch.law is that the company provides tech back-up, professional indemnity insurance and office space to allow member to focus purely on developing their business. Lawyers can work from wherever they wish and each personal service company receives up to 85% of the fees billed plus up to 15% of any fees referred by other members.

Founded in 2021, the firm now has more than 70 members in the UK and Australia and markets itself as offering the chance to build a business within a business.

Leaitherland added: ‘arch.law provides a clear pathway for firms and teams to expand and build their capability but importantly we can also provide a succession route for lawyers looking to transition their business.’

 

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