In the bustling legal landscape of the North East, one name stands tallChris Welch, the Managing Partner of Sintons, a distinguished Newcastle law firm with roots tracing back nearly 130 years. In this exclusive interview, Chris reflects on his journey with Sintons, the firm's evolution, and his perspective on the legal profession.
Chris joined Sintons in 2003 after a 16-year stint, 12 of which were as an equity partner, at another law firm. He was drawn to Sintons by its values, client-centric approach, and genuine care for its clients. The firm, then based in Jesmond with around 80 staff, captured Chris’s attention not just for its reputation or size but for what it stood for. In 2004, Sintons moved to a new iconic location near to St James’ Park in the heart of Newcastle, signalling the start of a transformative period of growth for the firm.
“The move from Jesmond to the city centre in 2004 was a springboard for what Sintons has become today. People took notice of us as we went from a modest Jesmond office to a prominent glass block in the city centre,” said Chris. Riding that wave, Sintons propelled its corporate and commercial services to new heights.
Originally from the North West, Chris is the son of a clergyman, and his greatest inspiration comes from his parents, who taught him the values of hard work, compassion, and doing one’s best. His legal journey began at Newcastle University where he forged a strong allegiance to the area and consequently settled into his working life. He has spent his entire career in the legal field, with Sintons being his professional home for more than two decades.
Chris’s legal career initially revolved around corporate law, specifically mergers and acquisitions. Over the years, he transitioned to a more managerial role leading to his current position as full time Managing Partner. While he still maintains client relationships and undertakes some client work, his focus has shifted to overseeing the firm’s strategic direction and managing larger projects.
Sintons has experienced substantial growth in recent years. The firm has seen a 30% increase in turnover over the last two financial years, reaching an impressive £16.9 million. It has also expanded its personnel, welcoming 30 new starters alone in the last fiscal year, bringing the total staff count to around 190. Chris’s leadership and strategic business acumen has provided Sintons with clarity and direction, and his shadow of influence and people focused management style has encouraged his team to develop and thrive in today’s competitive market.
Beyond corporate law, Sintons has made significant strides in new and diverse legal areas. The Neurotrauma Injury Department, dealing with life-changing injuries, has evolved into one of the top four claimant neurotrauma teams nationally. Just one example of how the firm has the capacity and the will to open and develop new emerging markets to benefit its clients’ needs.
Community engagement and corporate social responsibility is also taken very seriously by the firm with staff encouraged to volunteer hours provided by the firm to good causes and raise funds for the firm’s chosen charity.
“Sintons takes great pride in its corporate social responsibility initiatives. We never forget that we’re part of a community and it’s good to give back which we do in several ways. We have a dedicated committee that organises charity partnerships and in the last two years we have raised around £30,000 for The People’s Kitchen.” Previous benefactors have included The Great North Air Ambulance, Daft as a Brush, and The Charlie Bear Appeal.
A significant ongoing project for Sintons is the current refurbishment of its office space. A seven-figure investment aims to create a modern, collaborative workspace with enhanced facilities. The first stage of this refurbishment, recently unveiled, has already gained acclaim, reflecting the firm’s commitment to providing an optimal working environment for its staff and a welcoming, safe place for its clients. With more than a year in the planning, the whole refurb will be completed this summer.
“We’re going to be celebrating our 130th anniversary next year which is a big milestone, and the new office improvements are an example of how we’ve evolved with the times and to the changing landscape of the legal profession and the business world. We’re still going strong and we’re excited to celebrate it with our team and our clients.”
As Chris continues to steer Sintons toward new horizons, his dedication to the firm’s values, clients, and community remains unwavering. The journey, he believes, is not just about growth but about evolving in a way that aligns with the firm’s ethos and enhances the overall legal experience for both clients and colleagues alike.
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