Property law specialist PLS Solicitors has appointed two non-solicitors as directors and plans to offer share options to staff after becoming an alternative business structure. The change in status will expedite expansion plans and empower employees, said managing director Dan Hickey.
PLS, a national provider of conveyancing services with offices in Manchester, London and Liverpool, was co-founded by solicitors Aash Dhand and Rob Thomas 14 years ago. It now employs more than 200 people. Hickey, also a solicitor, added: ‘In tandem with building a leading, national conveyancing firm, we have built a team of incredibly talented people, whose specialisms span far beyond just legal expertise.
‘We have – for example – systems and web developers, business analysts and customer service managers who are just as important to us being among the best in the business. An ABS allows us to better reflect our make-up and what makes us a modern-thinking law firm and will further unshackle the spirit of innovation that, over the past 15 years, has brought us success.’
Hickey said the freedom to attract non-legal investors and appoint a leadership team with diverse skills would enable the company to launch new consultancy services and products. Two non-solicitors, head of operations & technology Dean Carruthers and head of HR Sarah Millican, have already become directors.
Share options will be offered to an unspecified number of staff. The firm has no current plans to take on external investment, but is ‘open-minded as to how the new structure will create opportunities’.
Hickey added: ‘We have no interest in being a “jack of all trades” but we do intend to continue to evolve to ensure we are the master of one – property law.
