A firm of commercial law specialists, formerly known as Bertram Law, has a new name and new address after an investment deal.
The firm which specialises in corporate, commercial, and property law, is rebranding as Bertram Fairbanks and has moved from Marsh Barton to larger offices at Pynes Hill, Exeter, complete with its own 'Belvedere Lounge' champagne bar.
Neal Bertram working with a number of law firms across Exeter since 1994 and formerly a commercial litigation partner at Bertram Law, has accepted an investment from Andy Fairbanks to create Bertram Fairbanks.
The aim is to expand what is a niche business model, in order to help stand out from other solicitors across the city and beyond.
It says that turnover in the first complete financial year is expected to be between £1million and £2million.
Andy Fairbanks joins the company as an investor and co-director which now operates through an alternative business structure (ABS).
ABS is a firm that has non-lawyers in its ownership and management structure. This allows firms to involve key people who bring additional experience and skills.
Mr Bertram said: “Andy is a well-known and respected entrepreneur in the South West, and I am delighted that we are working together on this exciting chapter for the newly formed company. His extensive experience in business growth and challenging the status quo will cement the firm’s commitment to becoming one of the leading commercial Law Firms in the South West. The unique partnership enables us to position ourselves as a niche commercial practice, not a full-service law firm."
Andy Fairbanks is Chief Executive of Progen Power Ltd, a company that provides temporary power solutions for festivals, concerts and sporting events.
Mr. Fairbanks said: “I’ve known Neal for some time and have huge respect for him, so when he approached me with regards to going into partnership, I didn’t hesitate. I’ve dealt with many lawyers through my multiple businesses, and some can over-complicate matters, which in turn incurs unnecessary large bills. That’s not how it works at Bertram Fairbanks.
"We don’t want to be a cliché firm of stuffy solicitors and are very approachable to clients, so we don’t wear jackets or ties. It’s much more relaxed whilst still remaining professional and we think Exeter is ready for something different.”
One of the first new team members to be recruited to Bertram Fairbanks is Annelie Carver who has worked with large and regional law firms in Exeter and the South West.
For the last seven years, she has been running her own legal consultancy business before being head-hunted by Neal to come back into private practice at Bertram Fairbanks.
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