A rapidly-expanding North East commercial law firm is celebrating after hitting a turnover of £1.3 million in just 18 months.
St James’ Square was founded in 2017 when managing partner Paul Monaghan teamed up with investor Brad Holbrook and, together with other founding partner Andrew Carser, the entrepreneurs planned out a business strategy that would set out to establish the ideal law firm.
Paul and Andrew took their combined experiences of working in other legal practices and were determined that their law firm would reflect the very best for their staff and their clients.
Initially operating out of one room at Hoults Yard, Newcastle, Paul and Andrew were soon able to grow the team and new members of staff came on board.
“Where we’ve really excelled is in the connection that we have with staff and clients. We know what it’s like to run a business because we are running our own every day. We offer a Rolls Royce service at a fraction of the price and by using state-of-the-art technology it means our service is more cost-effective, more efficient and more accurate for clients.”
Paul Monaghan, Managing Partner, St James' SquareThese appointments included partners Mark Lynn and Martin Wilson, which meant that the average partner age was 35 – approximately 20 years younger than the average partner age at any other law firm.
Now, with figures showing an expected turnover of £1.6 million by the end of the year, the firm has outperformed the whole of 2017 in just the first quarter of this year.
Today St James’ Square employs 28 members of staff and the firm has recently moved to a new 5000-square foot office at Esh Plaza, in Newcastle Great Park.
The team represents an array of successful companies, including Hays Travel, Northgate, Co-wheels, Premier Care Homes and The Naked Deli.
Managing partner Paul Monaghan said: “St James’ Square is not like any other law firm. We are a dynamic business that, although growing at a phenomenal rate, always goes the extra mile for our clients.
“Where we’ve really excelled is in the connection that we have with staff and clients. We know what it’s like to run a business because we are running our own every day. We offer a Rolls Royce service at a fraction of the price and by using state-of-the-art technology it means our service is more cost-effective, more efficient and more accurate for clients.”
Paul is one of a limited number of solicitors who hold the Higher Rights of Audience qualification meaning that he represents clients at the County Courts, High Courts and Court of Appeal. He is also registered Football Agent.
Among St James’ Square’s many clients is the largest (by fleet size) light commercial vehicle hire business in the UK, Spain and Ireland, Northgate plc.
Joe Riddell, Head of Property UK & Ireland for Northgate Plc said “We have worked with St James’ Square for a while now and their ability to understand the commercial requirements of our business and react accordingly has been so refreshing. I know for certain that I wouldn’t be able to do my job if the St James’ Square team weren’t there to support us every step of the way.”
