Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

An important factor for us here at Everys is not only providing services for our clients and resolving any challenging problems but continuity of service.  Once we’ve built a relationship we want to be here for our client’s EVERY need.

In this article Emma Davies (Associate in the Litigation team) and Donna Hart (Head of Family Department) talk about the various ways they’ve listened to their clients’ needs/concerns and made recommendations to colleagues in other departments.

Donna Hart

I was representing a client in divorce proceedings and he mentioned that, unfortunately, his role was ending with his employer and needed advice regarding a Settlement Agreement.  I referred him to Emma, our employment and professional discipline lawyer, who was able to advise him in relation to the terms of the agreement and finalise matters meaning that was one less worry for him to be concerned with.

It was good to be able to recommend him to someone at Everys so I could be kept in the loop.

Often, married couples may have businesses together and may need to seek advice from an employment lawyer and I have been able to recommend Emma to several of my clients.

Emma and I work closely together in our Exeter office so I can always ensure that my clients are receiving the best client care and advice in a timely manner.

Many of my clients need assistance in transferring, buying and selling property.  Sometimes couples are contributing different amounts and our private client team can advise in relation to a Declaration of Trust, ensuring their respective shares are preserved for when the property is sold in the future.  I would also advise in relation to a cohabitee agreement in this scenario.  Between our family, private client and conveyancing teams we can offer all relevant advice.

I also ensure that my clients’ Wills are kept up to date particularly if a family situation is changing.  I am able to ensure that my clients have this advice readily available should they need it.

Emma Davies

Donna has already mentioned her cross referrals.  As a newer member of the Everys team, I’ve quickly realised the potential, and importance for our clients, of continuing their relationship with Everys.  Working in the civil litigation department there are a lot of opportunities for referral of work, both into the team and out to other teams within the firm. 

I regularly have exchanges with Steph Langdon, Lead Solicitor in our Commercial & Corporate Team, acting in relation to commercial clients, where I can advise in relation to TUPE situations, ensuring her clients deal with the important matter of staff transfers appropriately and sensitively.  I’ve recently advised in relation to the reasonableness, or otherwise, of the scope of restrictive covenants. 

I’ve also recently been instructed on an interesting matter whereby my client has power of attorney for an elderly relative whose tenants are providing assistance.  Before I can advise in response to his queries, it was important that he speaks with our Jane Flaherty, Partner in our Private Client department, to understand his obligations and the needs of his relative that must be taken  into consideration.

I’ve also received numerous referrals to advise in relation to Settlement Agreements when our clients have brought this up in conversation with colleagues assisting on other matters. 

When we get a new enquiry we always ask how that person has heard of Everys, and recently I’ve noticed that I’m getting a lot of existing/returning clients.  Continuity of representation has always been important to me as a lawyer and I think it speaks volumes that clients return to Everys, trusting us to help them with all their legal requirements. 

At Everys we can assist in relation to a broad mix of legal work relating to every stage of life, from buying your first home to moving into a care home; from creating a Will to applying for probate and administering the estate; from drafting cohabitation agreements to pre and postnuptial agreements and divorce, and much more.

If you would like help regarding a legal matter, please contact us, we would be delighted to help.