IF YOU THINK SO...TAKE A SEAT

CAN BRILLIANT PEOPLE BE LAWYERS AND CONTRIBUTE TO A BETTER SOCIETY?

CONTENTS

TRAINING PRINCIPAL INTRODUCTION 4 OUR PURPOSE AND VALUES 6 ABOUT US 8 OUR PEOPLE 8 PARTNER PROFILE – DONNA HOLMES 9 OUR SECTOR FOCUS 10 OUR PRACTICE AREAS 12 WHY TRAIN AT ACS? 14 TRAINEE PROFILE – ALEX LAUD 15 NEWLY-QUALIFIED SOLICITOR PROFILE – SHARON THANDI 15 WHAT’S IT LIKE WORKING AT ACS? 16 SOLICITOR PROFILE – NATALIE MOUSTACHE 17 VACATION SCHEME AND OPEN DAY 18 QUALITY OF WORK 19 DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT 20 WHAT WE LOOK FOR 22 HOW TO APPLY? 23 FINAL WORDS 24

LAW, WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?Absolutely everything if it’s for a good purpose – and ours is to improve lives, communities and society.

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“ Over the last couple of years, we have seen an incredible level of interest from people looking to become lawyers, drawn to our values, sectors and people. We have been able to award training contracts to very talented people emerging from university, professional exams and paralegal roles. They are now receiving excellent training that cuts across a range of commercial law disciplines as well as legal services for individuals. We aim to recruit and then develop lawyers with technical expertise but also a bit of “spark” and a lot of practicality. We want them to stay upon qualifying so that we can serve our clients even better, in an ever-changing world. If our purpose of improving lives, communities and society excites you, then come and have a conversation with us about how you can play a part in it.

Mark CookPartner and Training Principal

OUR PURPOSE AND VALUES We are proud of our purpose of improving lives, communities and society, which the clients we work with and the sectors that we serve reflects.

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Our values reflect our purpose. We… Are purpose driven We share a passion and vocation to make a difference in the world. We are purpose driven, rather than profit driven, and work with clients who share our purpose. Profit is a means, not an end. We seek to make sufficient profit for us to invest in the growth of the business to further our purpose, and to ensure that we reward partners and staff appropriately and fairly. Show respect Role and status are irrelevant to the way we engage with people. Each individual has potential and a unique contribution to make to the success of the firm. Our success or failure is an inclusive endeavour in which we value everyone’s contribution – where we all have the humility to know that we cannot do things on our own. Build relationships We show care and concern for each other – this is a place where people can be themselves. We encourage people to reach their full potential, in an environment of trust, where people can give their best. Work for clients is always more than a transaction. We focus on the development of long-term client relationships, where we can be part of clients’ successes over time.

Demonstrate integrity We do the right thing, even where this might not be to our advantage. We always put clients first. When we commit to something, we deliver. We act with consistency and fairness. We are honest with ourselves and our clients and work hard to ensure that our treatment of staff and situations matches our values. Deliver excellence Excellence and innovation are important to us so that we can deliver the most relevant solution for our clients. Our insight into clients’ reality and goals enables us to do a better job of meeting their needs. We develop wisdom in our people so that we can challenge ourselves to provide new solutions to difficult problems.

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ABOUT US

Anthony Collins Solicitors (ACS) is a thriving specialist law firm with a national reputation for advising individuals, charities and other not-for-profit organisations, local authorities, public-sector bodies and businesses throughout the UK. For over 40 years we’ve been successfully combining market-leading legal expertise, with a commitment to excellence and long-term relationships underpinned by a strong set of values. We’ve attracted a highly skilled team of people whose genuine passion for their field of work keeps us at the forefront of the sectors we serve. ACS is a law firm that puts people first, and our size means we can offer the challenges and exposure you’d expect from a large firm, in an environment that is supportive and close knit. Our practice areas span seven different sectors that reflect our passion and expertise, whilst focusing on client needs: • Charities• Education• Health and Social Care• Housing• Local Government• Private Legal Services• Social Business

OUR PEOPLE Our people come from a range of backgrounds, whether home grown, or from international commercial firms, local government or public-funded general practices.

We don’t just look for technical expertise; we want people who bring a wider skill set to our firm; emotional intelligence, a passion for the sectors we work in and a desire to collaborate are key qualities that we look for. Our staff include:

54 Business support staff58 Secretarial staff 9 Trainee solicitors 127 Fee earners 28 Partners Figures as at 6th September 2017

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“ I joined ACS as a trainee solicitor in 2005. Initially my sights were set on becoming a family litigator – but I soon found my niche was much more non-contentious, and in fact, I never did complete a family seat. I experienced the personal injury and clinical negligence team; charities; and governance and commercial teams, as well as personal planning and management (now part of our Private Client Team), where I found my home. After qualifying as a solicitor in the personal planning and management team in 2007, I was promoted to Associate in 2011, Senior Associate in 2012, and then Partner in 2015. I now specialise in tax and estate planning for individuals and supporting people lacking the capacity to manage their finances. I enjoy supporting people and families to build their future, their way. I also act as a Trustee for a number of clients and am a Court of Protection Deputy and a member of the Office of the Public Guardian’s Panel of Deputies.”

Donna Holmes

Partner

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OUR SECTOR FOCUS

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CharitiesWe have a strong affinity with the voluntary sector, which underpins our firm’s ethos wholeheartedly. We have been advising charities and providing professional legal advice and support services for over 40 years. We act for over a hundred of the largest charities in the country, as well as those with a religion or faith basis, professional institutes, leisure trusts, membership bodies and federations.

EducationSchools and academies play a pivotal role in society and communities across the country. With the enormous task of educating children from a variety of backgrounds in a safe and caring environment, numerous challenges face those in charge. We have a fast-growing reputation for providing practical, insightful support to sponsors, schools, academies, trusts and dioceses across the country.

Health and Social CareOur focus in this area is about working with organisations who serve vulnerable people due to age, mental or physical incapacity, mental-health problems or the consequences of addiction. We use our specialist skills to help both organisations and individuals achieve their goals.

HousingAs one of the top UK firms in the field of social housing, our passion is contributing to national regeneration and creating successful neighbourhoods where people want to live. We act for registered providers across the country, with a particular focus on those who engage with their local communities and deliver a range of diverse services.

Local GovernmentLocal government has changed. Councils are commercially minded and innovative, using these attributes to deliver the maximum they can for the populations they serve. They require legal advisers who go beyond simplistic statements of what the law is, but who add real value through their understanding of the complexities of local government law and the landscape within which councils operate. We are one of the few firms who are genuinely able to provide a “full service” to local authorities.

Private Legal ServicesThe leading Midlands’ firm for childcare and family law, our support for individuals is focused on two areas: supporting them and their families at pivotal times of their life, from birth through to death, helping them preserve and protect their assets, and helping people facing complex and critical events, such as personal injury, clinical negligence, childcare issues, loss of capacity and loss of employment.

Social BusinessWe believe in the power of enterprise to create positive change, and we support people and organisations who are change makers in their sectors, markets and communities. We describe this sector as “social business”. This is the thread that unites our work with community organisations, businesses driven by their values, social enterprises, and the co-operative and mutual sector.

OUR PRACTICE AREAS

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Catastrophic Injury Company and Cooperative LawCharity LawChildcareClinical NegligenceCommercial PropertyCompanies, Partnership & Corporate StructuresConstructionContracting & CommissioningCorporate & CommercialCrisis ManagementDispute Resolution & MediationDomestic Abuse Education (Academies)Employment & PensionsEstate Planning Faith-based Organisations FOI & Data ProtectionFinancingFunding

Family LawGovernanceHousing Litigation Housing ManagementIntellectual PropertyInformation TechnologyJudicial ReviewLocal Government LawMarriage & Relationships Mental Health Personal Planning & ManagementProcurementPropertyProperty DevelopmentProperty LitigationPersonal InjuryPublic LawRegenerationRegulatorySocial Investment Social Care Law

WHY TRAIN AT ACS?ACS is made up of a variety of departments, giving you the opportunity to work in high-profile commercial and private client work, with a range of fee earners with different skills and talents. During your training, we’ll expose you to as many work areas as possible, helping you to discover which area of law best suits you. You will discover that you can use law to make a real difference in society. During your training contract you’ll be introduced to a variety of clients and professionals. Responsibility for your clients and matters will naturally increase as you gain the relevant skills, knowledge, experience and confidence. Training contracts are made up of four seats, each lasting six months. We will consider your experience, skills and preferences when allocating seats, together with business need and completion of SRA regulations.

As a trainee you’ll be encouraged to get involved in a range of activities from client events and training seminars, to regularly attending trainee forums. It’s all about making the most of the opportunities available here.

A successful trainee will combine a strong academic record with innovative thinking, a compassionate and caring approach and an appreciation of client needs and concerns. We’re looking for people who can build excellent relationships with colleagues and clients alike and who share our passion and enthusiasm for making a difference to society.

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Sharon ThandiQualified September 2017

“ Having recently qualified, I can say that through my training with Anthony Collins Solicitors I’ve grown in confidence and developed the skills to hit the ground running as a newly-qualified solicitor. I’ve enjoyed a varied two years, completing seats in Private Legal Services, Governance and Commercial (Charities and Social Business), Commercial Property and Governance and Commercial (Housing Corporate Finance). As a trainee, you’ll get the opportunity to develop skills in client care and file management as well as working on larger projects. Trainees are given a level of responsibility that you might not find at other firms. It has been really inspiring to work alongside passionate individuals who are nationally recognised as leaders in their sectors. My time as a trainee has been great fun. The trainees regularly meet to organise socials, fundraisers and sports events. It’s a great way to get to know colleagues throughout the firm. I’m really pleased to be qualifying at ACS and have been thoroughly supported in deciding my ideal newly qualified role in a team that is at the forefront of its sector. I now work as a qualified solicitor in the Housing Corporate Finance team in the Governance and Commercial Department.”

Alex Laud2nd year Trainee

“ I applied to ACS because it was the only firm that appealed to me. It is rare to find a law firm that acts in the variety of sectors that ACS does, but rarer still for that firm to operate nationally. I had undertaken work experience here at ACS before applying, which helped me to understand how the business operated and what drove people. The firm’s purpose is to improve life for both individuals and communities, and there is a real commitment from everyone to achieve this goal. I started as a paralegal in the Governance and Commercial Department, and this aided me in preparing for the first seat of my training contract. It was immediately clear that ACS is a firm that is very committed to helping you become the best you can be, and there is a great support network for new starters. As a trainee, you are given a high level of responsibility for the work that you undertake, but there is also very effective supervision and lots of opportunities to improve your skills. The quality of work you are given is also excellent, and you really feel like you are trusted to deliver.”

WHAT’S IT LIKE WORKING AT ACS?

Our culture and ethosWe believe that people thrive most when they are relaxed and happy. So although you’re expected to work hard at ACS, we always try to ensure that you enjoy a sociable and supportive working environment and we recognise that people have lives away from work and the importance of time to spend with family and friends. Whether it’s the quarterly office lunch on our rooftop terrace, or a team building workshop, there’s always an opportunity to get involved in “extra-curricular” activities! We specialise in our chosen sectors due to the positive impact our work has on the communities in which clients, whether individuals or organisations, live and work. Our clientsACS places emphasis on an ethical and socially-responsible working attitude, giving us a chance to work with large numbers of genuinely inspiring clients. We encourage our staff to work in areas that really interest them.

Personal development programmeHere at ACS, we don’t just look for technical expertise. We want people who bring a wider skill set to our firm. Personal development is very important to us, and we offer a full learning programme to all employees.

Social purpose volunteeringWe want to enable our employees to commit to what inspires them and have set aside 250 days for social purpose volunteering for this reason.

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Over the last year, our employees have volunteered at organisations such as ACORNS Children’s Hospice, SIFA Fireside, Brownies, Birmingham Central Foodbank, St Mary’s Hospice and the Nehemiah Foundation. This has resulted in a variety of activities such as working in a charity shop, cooking dinners for homeless people, attending charity board meetings and setting up tents for camping weekends.

“ I qualified with ACS on 1 September 2016 into our Corporate Litigation team, specialising in Commercial and Property disputes. Before qualification, I was a paralegal in our Corporate Litigation team for 12 months before starting my training contract in September 2014. I had always known that I wanted to be a litigator; however, the variety of seats on offer at ACS enabled me to explore other areas of work. I particularly enjoyed my Property seat as I was given the opportunity to manage my own caseload and develop my client-care skills. As a trainee, you have the opportunity to do a seat in our Commercial and Private Client departments. I did a seat in Personal Injury, and Clinical Negligence and this experience of communicating and working with a variety of clients was invaluable. Throughout my training contract, all of the teams that I worked in were extremely supportive, and I was given lots of opportunities to develop not only my legal skills but also softer skills such as client care and communication. As a trainee, I received high-quality training that enabled me to grow in confidence and equip me with the skills that I needed as a Newly Qualified Solicitor. I am now one-year qualified, and I have enjoyed a very busy and varied year with my team. My training contract with ACS was a fantastic start to my legal career, and the support that I received has continued into qualification.”

Natalie MoustacheQualified September 2016

VACATION SCHEMEIf you would like to spend some time at ACS, to understand the work that we do and meet the people who do it, a vacation scheme may be just the right opportunity for you. You will spend two weeks with us, splitting your time between two departments. We will assign you a trainee as a buddy, and a fee earner as a mentor and assessor. During this time you will have an opportunity to be involved in the work that we do, and we will provide you with constructive feedback at the end of the two weeks. Our vacation scheme will run between 2-13 July 2018. The selection criteria to apply is the same as our training contract. If your application is successful, we will invite you to aninterview and a psychometric testing session. Applications open on 1 January 2018, and the closing date is 9 March 2018.

Open DayWe hold an open day each year for anyone interested intraining at ACS. If you are interested in attending, pleaseregister your interest at openday@anthonycollins.com.

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QUALITY OF WORK THE VERDICT ACCORDING TO THE LEX 100, 2017/2018 “ Anthony Collins Solicitors has an ‘overall objective to improve lives, communities and society’ and it is precisely this ‘social purpose’ which is the jewel in the crown for trainees. Respondents were also keen to highlight the ‘high-quality commercial work’, pointing out that the firm ‘regularly works on high-value matters and is a leading adviser in numerous sectors’. The training contract is described as ‘practical and hands-on’ with a ‘high level of client contact and a lot of responsibility’ plus the opportunity to ‘run your own caseload or be the main point of contact on a large matter’. On the pastoral side, ‘there is always an opportunity to speak to someone if you need to’ and ‘people really care about, and are committed to, your development’. All things considered, it is little wonder that the firm is a Lex 100 Winner in the job satisfaction category and has won awards in a further five categories. …the ‘inclusiveness’ of the firm and the ‘approachability of colleagues’ were discernible plus points. Trainees are ‘involved in loads of CSR activities’ which are ‘really fun and rewarding’ and they appreciate the fact that ‘the firm is so willing to dedicate so much time to doing good in the community’. To work at a firm which is ‘significantly more work/life oriented’ and entrusts trainees ‘with responsibility and actual work’, apply to Anthony Collins Solicitors. www.lex100.com

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT… WORK THAT REFLECTS YOUR PURPOSE

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TRAFFORD HOUSING TRUST

We acted for housing association, Trafford Housing Trust (THT), (9,000 homes in the North West) on its £160 million joint venture with one of the largest housing associations in the country, L&Q, who have 90,000 homes in the South East. The joint venture was for the development of new charitable housing and homes for outright sale in the North West (Manchester and the surrounding area).

We devised a first-to-the-market, truly innovative structure involving a development LLP and a non-registered charity, both of which are jointly and equally funded and operated by THT and L&Q. We drafted and negotiated all of the legal documentation to create the corporate and funding structures, advised on the complex procurement and contracting arrangements underpinning the joint venture by which THT provides the development services to the LLP, and the asset management services to the charity.

The joint venture’s objectives are to develop 500 units per year (rising to 1000 units per year within five years) for a mixture of outright sale and charitable/affordable housing (the latter being held by the charity) to meet housing need in the North West of England. We are also advising THT/the LLP development joint ventures and projects to sit beneath the LLP. Thanks to this structure, within five years up to 2,500 families will have brand new, high-quality, houses that are warm, efficient and (most importantly) affordable.

FAILURE TO TREAT DEVELOPING SEPSIS We took on the sad case of a client whose daughter tragically died at Kingston Hospital, due to gross negligence of a doctor who failed to treat developing sepsis. Our work included representing the family at an inquest and, subsequently, we brought a successful compensation claim against the Hospital Trust. Whilst compensation is only money, it provides security for the client’s future and that of her family. An out-of-court settlement was achieved, before issuing the claim at court. This avoided the need for an expert instructed by the defendant to assess our client, which could have been an additional, upsetting experience. During, and after, the inquest, we liaised with the media; our client was keen to raise public awareness and hoped that the care at the Hospital Trust would improve as a result. Our work involved publishing press releases, speaking to the press, supporting the family in a television interview, and giving a short television interview ourselves.

WHAT WE LOOK FORSOME OF THE ATTRIBUTES WE LOOK FOR IN OUR NEW RECRUITS:

• Passionate for and committed to the values of ACS.

We want people who love the work that they do and are enthusiastic about it.

• Innovative and creative thinkers. We want people who can help us evolve and re-invent ourselves.

• Intellectually curious to research and enquire. We want diverse and independent thinkers.

• Strong interpersonal skills and high levels of emotional intelligence – knows how to contribute most effectively in the workplace. We want individuals to join our firm.

• Flexible team worker. We want people who contribute positively and proactively when working in a team.

• Accomplished communicator. We want people with the ability to inspire and positively influence others.

• Manages personal performance to meet expectations; demonstrating drive, determination and accountability whilst doing so. We want people who are committed to succeeding.

• Resilience, perseverance and positivity when meeting new challenges. We want people who don’t give up.

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HOW TO APPLY

We accept applications once you reach the second year of your law degree, and of course, you can apply after this too! We recruit via our Vacation Scheme but also via the more traditional route explained below.

For those that decide on law later in their studies, we ask that you have started the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). Non-law students who want to become solicitors or barristers need to complete the GDL. The course puts non-law graduates on an equal platform with those who studied law at undergraduate level. We are fully committed to assisting successful applicants through their GDL and into a successful legal career with us. We will be recruiting for 2019 and 2020 in our next round of recruitment, and you will be able to apply between 6 November 2017 and 31 July 2018. If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to take part in a psychometric assessment, a structured interview and assessment centre. All of the assessments will take place in August 2018, so please make sure you are free to attend. To apply, please visit our website www.anthonycollins.com/careers and have a good read of our training contract section. To apply, click on the vacancy tab.

Our selection criteriaWe welcome applications from students both with and without a law background, who have a minimum of BBB from three A Levels (excluding general studies) or 300 UCAS points. Candidates must also have achieved at least a 2:2 classification at degree level.

“ What makes ACS distinctive, beyond simply being a sector specialist law firm, is our people and the values we share. Our passion and belief are aligned with our commitment to transforming communities and supporting individuals. We’re extremely proud of the calibre of lawyers we attract – people who are inspired by our values and motivated by our vision. We work with our clients to positively influence the society and communities we are building together. I hope this gives you an insight as to why many of us here are motivated to do our jobs with the level of commitment and passion we have. We look forward to hearing from you.”

Peter Hubbard Senior Partner

FINALWORDS

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