Interview with Stephanie Creasey, Associate Solicitor at QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke

 

 

 

I work as part of the corporate team at Howlett Clarke. My role involves advising clients on their business affairs from the time of incorporation of their company to the eventual closing of a company and at all stages in between. I advise new businesses on formation of new entities and business structures, draft sale and purchase agreements for sales of shares and assets and other documentation required for the successful completion of commercial transactions including restructuring and management buy-outs. 

 

When not involved with transactional work, my role includes reviewing and advising on a range of commercial contracts for clients, drawing up joint venture agreements, dealing with the registration trademarks within the UK and the EU and licensing of business intellectual property rights. I also deal with commercial property matters including sales and purchases of commercial properties and lease transactions (acting for both landlords and tenants).

 

 

I think one of the main reasons we can take pride in being the oldest law firm in Brighton and Hove is our ability to adapt. We’ve spent centuries responding to changes in the legal market and it has meant we have still been able to grow and develop as a business and in the services we can offer to our clients even, in what has been a recent period of difficult economic conditions. We are known for having strong community links, which provides us with ample support from the local area and local businesses.

 

 

When we look back at our history we have seen huge growth and expansion-we recently completed the acquisition of PB Law in Southwick, broadening our horizons into West Sussex and allowing us to continue growing in numbers. 

 

Keeping up to date with the legal market is also of paramount importance to grow any legal business; we are strategically able to fill the demand for various new areas of law - such as Consumer Credit - which would always bring in an influx of new clients and the business grows itself.

 

Not forgetting that we are avid supporters of the training contracts. At Howlett Clarke, we recruit local law graduates into our practical based two year course, which is required for all hopeful solicitors to qualify. It involves gaining an insight and taking on practical work in four different areas of the law, over the two years, that we practice at the firm. This always gives us a fresh perspective and new ideas about the development of the business.

 

 

Wherever possible: local businesses and organisations! We are a registered company of the legal sustainability alliance so we love local! SME’s are our main business demographic organisations that we work closely with, but as mentioned before we have such strong communal and charitable links that we spend a lot of our time working with charities too.  

 

 

The Brighton Chamber is such a well-established link that pulls together a huge variety of local businesses; the support, connections and good breakfasts it provides are plenty reason to be involved with the Chamber. It fosters a reputable environment in which to network and grow together supporting local businesses. We are particularly keen on the Bite-sized Learning events too!

 

 

Having been to the lunches before, I look forward to meeting new people in a smaller group than some of the other Chamber events as it gives you a great opportunity to really get to know those who have gone to the event and make great connections to do business going forwards. There is always a great atmosphere at the lunch and the rotation of tables part way through means you have the best opportunities to talk to everyone at some point during the event and there is always a good mix of people from a range of industry sectors. The speakers are always interesting and have an inspirational story to share and, having worked with Handelsbanken on recent transactions it is great to be able to support them and sponsor the lunch on this occasion.