An interview with Nicola Stapleton
Originally published in the Spring 2009 issue of B4 Magazine.
What lead you to set up your own practice?
I qualified in London as a Barrister and fellow of Lincolns Inn Field. I worked in Knightsbridge for a couple of years and loved the fast pace of life, the high calibre clients, the location and the social life. Training as a Barrister taught me the basics of being self employed and in particular the art of networking.
I qualified as a solicitor to enable me to become a partner in a traditional Oxford form but the reality of partnership was quite different to what I expected. I practised as a partner for over 3 years but the turning point came when I had my son. He focused my mind and I struggled to see the direction I was heading in; and the business side of me wanted more control. Locally, there is a shortage of commercial firms and although I chatted with several firms, my clients asked why can't you just go on your own. So I did.
What kind of work do you specialise in?
All commercial, property and company matters. We have a portfolio of clients both individuals and companies here we deal with all commercial aspects from terms and conditions of trading, shareholders agreements to business sales and purchases. Where I do not have the resources or expertise in house, I use consultants from a network of specialist practices. This keeps the overheads low whilst facilitates a responsive and all round legal service without needing to be passed from department to department.
What would you say is your USP?
Me and the way that I work. Perhaps it is the Barrister in me but I think that those that know me would agree that I am not like most solicitors. People usually associate their experience with solicitors as expensive and laborious sometimes painful. I pride myself on building relationships and providing practical, commercial understandable advice, having a personal awareness of individual needs. Basic common courtesies like calling people back, answering emails and correspondence promptly and generally providing good service is a core foundation of the practice. That coupled with fixed prices has been the basis of very successful ever growing practice.
What kind of clients do you work for?
A variety to be honest. The majority of our work is from a portfolio of companies, whereby we act as their personal legal department dealing with all their commercial needs. I also act for individuals, and more recently for those who don't like being passed from pillar to post and want to revert to the traditional 'family' solicitor approach to their commercial affairs.
What do your clients say about you? I have a very loyal client base. Indeed 90% of my work is repeat and word of mouth recommendations which is extremely rewarding. I do also take the trouble to ask clients what they would like, what could be changed, what would better suit their needs and this also works very well to ensure we provide the level of service expected. Some examples of this are:
"After using a large firm of corporate solicitors for several years it has been a breath of fresh air working with Nicola Stapleton at Beechwood Solicitors. I have received a friendly, prompt and totally customer-focused service whenever I have needed help of any kind. It is so refreshing to find a company who can see the benefits of building a strong relationship with clients, rather than employing the rather old-fashioned 'bill for every minute' approach."
What has been most rewarding?
Every thanks you card, grateful telephone call and general thank you for me is worth everything. I have gone back to basics by setting up on my own but which regularly reminds me of why I become a lawyer. For me, running my own business has to be the most rewarding thing I have ever done.
I have just celebrated my first year of trading, employed my first team member and celebrated in winning the award for Best Start Up 2008. It couldn't get much more rewarding than that!
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