The firm
Anthony Collins has the largest social housing, charities and community regeneration practice outside London. It also handles a range of private client work and commercial services including corporate, corporate finance, employment, property and dispute resolution. The firm has almost doubled in size over the past five years, converting to LLP status in September 2005 and moving to smart new premises in December 2005. Despite this sharpened business image, Anthony Collins remains at heart a highly altruistic outfit, with a focus on the not-for-profit sector, and an approach which clients describe as 'professional and understanding'.
The star performers
Charities; Clinical negligence (claimant); Family; Licensing; Personal injury (claimant); Professional negligence; Social housing.
The deals
Advising charities (especially churches) on their obligations to register with the Charity Commission, also advising three national charities on mergers with other organisations; dealing with two substantial claims against accountants and two cases where previous solicitors have acted negligently in the administration of an estate; advising on an employer's liability case arising from an accident at work involving the loss of the claimant's hand.
The clients
Anchor Trust; Aston Villa FC; The Baptist Union; The Bible Society; City South Manchester Housing Trust; Gloucester City Homes; Somer Housing Group; United Christian Broadcaster; Watford Community Housing Trust.
The money
The Lex 100 verdict
Values and ethos appear to be key attributes when trainees are asked what they like about Birmingham-based Anthony Collins. It has a very different message to most other firms and a unique personality - there is a strong focus on making a positive difference to the world, not just on making money. One trainee who worked here as a paralegal 'loved it so much I was desperate to come back'. Not surprising then that Anthony Collins is a Lex 100 Winner in seven of our categories this year: job satisfaction, living up to expectations, quality of work, client contact, stress levels, work/life balance and social life. There is praise for nearly every aspect of working life, from the very reasonable hours - 'I've only stayed later than 5.30 about five times in 18 months' - to the 'caring and committed attitude' the firm shows to its employees and clients. Trainees are proud to work for a firm which positively wants to 'transform communities and improve people's lives'. They also like the high level of responsibility given to them and the freedom to choose their seats and have a say in their career path. Not many niggles from these largely contented trainees, but as in previous years they are still complaining that their firm does not do enough to market itself - 'shy at self-promoting' and the website is yet to change 'although it should be relaunched soon so hopefully this will improve things'. For the right candidates Anthony Collins will undoubtedly provide a varied and enriching career, and just as importantly, 'when you get in the lift at the start of the day someone will always chat to you and make you feel at home'.
