By Beverly Rademacher

Copyright expressandstar

Higgs LLP, founded by Joseph Higgs in 1875, has always maintained its roots in Brierley Hill where it has represented families for generations and businesses over many decades.

Today the firm, which employs more than 250 staff, is based at Waterfront Business Park, having consolidated its Black Country offices in 2010 into a single location.

The business offers a comprehensive range of legal services, from conveyancing and probate to family law and medical negligence, but its key strength is developing and building relationships.

Paul Hunt, a partner and the longest-serving employee at Higgs LLP, said of the company’s success and longevity: “It’s about people, about caring about our clients.

“I work with owner managed businesses and you get to know them personally and their business.

“We can trace some clients back to the 1800s. We’ve acted for firms for decades and families for generations. We must be doing something right as they stick with us.”

The long-service records of staff also speaks volumes about the firm’s culture.

Paul Hunt himself has been with Higgs for 37 years, having qualified 35 years ago, and many employees have been with the firm for 10 or 20 years, and he said: “That shows you people love the firm and working here.”

Sophie Wardell, the firm’s People Director, said: “We’re really passionate about our people.

“Our people-driven approach is what makes us so successful and I’m incredibly proud that our people come from such a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.”

Higgs recently won the Employee Wellness award at the Express & Star Business Awards in June for its people-centric ethos and employee wellbeing advocacy.

The firm is also committed to nurturing new talent through various apprenticeships, including business, administration, finance, paralegal, and solicitor apprenticeships.

Latoyah Thompson, a graduate solicitor who qualified in July after completing a Level 7 apprenticeship, is a prime example.

She said the firm’s culture played a big role in her decision to embark on her career with Higgs and she added: “I knew I was in a good place to achieve what I wanted to achieve.”

Higgs has recently been shortlisted for the Law Firm of the Year award at the Black Country Chamber Business Awards and in the Candidate Assessment category at the In House Recruitment Awards, through its partnership with ThriveMap.

It also just announced a new partnership with August Equity, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter focused on innovation, growth and opportunity.

To toast its many successes and celebrate the 150th anniversary, Higgs invited staff and key clients to an afternoon of food and drinks in a marquee at the final Digbeth Dining Club event at the Waterfront on Friday September 5.

The firm plans to hold further events later in the year, focused on its people.