Foysters eyes 1m factory

North-west law firm Davies Wallis Foyster has become the latest to move into 'factory' legal work with a 1 million investment in new offices and technology.

The firm - which has also announced a 22% rise in turnover to 18.6 million - is aiming to have its 'national centre of excellence' in Warrington running by the middle of June.

The operation will trade under the name DWF Maxima and is expected to employ more than 100 people.

Business development partner Nigel Wallis said the centre will deal with 'anything that can be broken down into a process environment, such as debt collection, plot sales for housing developers, repossessions and sales for banks and lenders'.

The firm is undeterred by the decision of Bromley-based Marsons, which pulled out of factory conveyancing in January, claiming the concept was unprofitable and unpopular with clients (see [2001] Gazette, 5 January, 1).

Mr Wallis said the service will be underpinned by state-of-the-art technology and fully trained staff, enabling it to 'do what it says on the tin'.

He added: 'Some organisations have failed because they have not had the benefit of full commercial backup to handle the claim in-house if it is contested.

We will be able to do this, so we will be providing a seamless service.' Meanwhile, Marsons is breaking up ahead of senior partner Brian Marson concentrating his efforts on promoting the role of title insurance to conveyancers as chairman of insurance company First Title.

He has sold his matrimonial and crime practices to a group of the firm's former lawyers in Bexleyheath, who are to practise in a new two-partner firm called Landes.

Mr Marson said he also intends to sell his social housing, commercial litigation and personal injury practices.Paula Rohan