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

YES?TAKE A SEAT!

CONTENTS

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

CONTENTS

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 incredible 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 legal disciplines and 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 at Anthony Collins Solicitors on qualifying so that we can serve our clients even better, bringing new ideas in an everchanging 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 your part.”

Mark CookTraining Principal

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“�What�makes�Anthony�Collins�Solicitors�distinctive,�beyond�simply�being�a�sector�specialist�law�firm,�is�our�people�and�the values we share. Our passion and belief align 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

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ABOUT US

Anthony Collins Solicitors (ACS) is a thriving specialist�law�firm�with�a�revenue�of�£19.5�million,�offices�in�Birmingham�and�Manchester�and�a�national reputation for advising individuals, charities and�other�not-for-profit�organisations,�local�authorities, public-sector bodies and businesses throughout the UK. For 45 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�while�focusing�on�client needs:

• Charities• Education• Health and Social Care• Housing• Local Government• Private Legal Services• Social Business

Our peopleOur people come from a range of backgrounds, whether homegrown or from international commercial�firms,�local�government�or�publicly�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 in candidates.

Our staff include:

65 Business support staff57 Secretarial staff9 Trainee solicitors139 Fee earners29 Partners

Figures as of 18 July 2018

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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 HolmesPartner

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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 45 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 theconsequences 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 tolive. 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�can�genuinely�provide a “full service” to local authorities.

Private legal servicesThe�leading�Midlands’�firm�for�childcare�and�family�law, our support for individuals focuses on two areas: supporting them and their families at pivotal times oftheir 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 andcommunities. We describe this sector as “social business”. This work 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 InjuryCompany and Cooperative LawCharity LawChildcareClinical NegligenceCommercial PropertyCompanies, Partnership & Corporate StructuresConstructionContracting & CommissioningCorporate & CommercialCrisis ManagementDispute Resolution & MediationDomestic AbuseEducation (Academies)Employment & PensionsEstate PlanningFaith-based OrganisationsFOI & Data ProtectionFinancingFunding

Family LawGovernanceHousing LitigationHousing ManagementIntellectual PropertyInformation TechnologyJudicial ReviewLocal Government LawMarriage & RelationshipsMental HealthPersonal Planning & ManagementProcurementPropertyProperty DevelopmentProperty LitigationPersonal InjuryPublic LawRegenerationRegulatorySocial InvestmentSocial Care Law

WHY TRAIN AT ACS?ACS is made up of a variety of departments, giving you the�opportunity�to�work�on�high-profile�commercial�and private client work, alongside 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 willdiscover that you can use the law to make a real difference in society.

During your training contract, we’ll introduce you 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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Anthony Collins Solicitors will provide funding for the full LPC fees for those who commence their LPC by 2018 and join Anthony Collins Solicitors as trainees by September 2021.

Alex LaudQualified�September�2018

“�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 receive 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 feel like you are trusted to deliver.”

Sarah Owen2nd-year Trainee

“ I joined Anthony Collins Solicitors in 2014 as a legal assistant in the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence team. It soon became clear to me that ACS takes a different approach to legal work by being a purpose-driven�law�firm.� When the time came to apply for a training contract, I immediately knew that I wanted to stay with ACS. I had always wanted to become a solicitor to help those who�needed�it�most,�and�this�fits�with�the�ACS�purpose�of improving lives, communities and societies. Since starting my training contract, I have undertaken seats in Construction Litigation and Employment. I have been given good-quality work and have been afforded a high level of responsibility, while never feeling overwhelmed. Everyone around me is always happy to help with any questions I may have, and I feel that others genuinely want to see me succeed and develop my skills. I have had the opportunity to work with people who are leaders in their�fields�and�who�are�passionate�about�their�work.�I�soon came to learn that their enthusiasm is contagious. Everyone at ACS is encouraged to fundraise and volunteer for charity. As trainees, we are currently trying to�raise�£2018�during�2018�for�our�chosen�charity,�which�so far has involved undertaking a Rough Runner and organising�firm�social�events.�Not�only�have�we�raised�money for charity, it has also helped the trainees to work as a team and have fun.“

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 asociable and supportive working environment. 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 emphasises 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 their areas of interest.

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 weoffer a full learning programme to all employees.

Social purpose volunteeringWe want our employees to be inspired in their work and to be able to offer support to the people and organisations that inspire them. We have set aside 250 days for social purpose volunteering for this reason.

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Over the last year, our employees have chosen to volunteer for local and national charities, schools and other education providers, youth and children’s organisations, foodbanks and community organisations, getting hands on and also supporting with their governance.

“�I�qualified�with�ACS�in�September�2017�into�the�Housing�Corporate�and�Finance�team�in�the�Governance�and�Commercial Department. Before�qualification,�I�was�a�paralegal�in�our�Property�team�for�ten�months�before�starting�my�training�contract�in September 2015. 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 and Finance). Through�my�training,�I’ve�grown�in�confidence�and�developed�the�skills�to�hit�the�ground�running�as�a�newly�qualified�solicitor.�As�a�trainee,�you’ll�get�the�opportunity�to�develop�skills�in�client�care�and�file�management�as�well�as�working on larger projects and running your own smaller matters. You are also given a level of responsibility that you�might�not�find�at�other�firms.�The�trainees�regularly�meet�to�organise�socials,�fundraisers�and�sports�events.�It’s�a�great�way�to�get�to�know�colleagues�throughout�the�firm�and�have�some�fun.� I�am�now�one-year�qualified�and�have�enjoyed�a�very�busy�and�varied�year�with�a�team�that�is�at�the�forefront�of�its�sector. It has been inspiring to work alongside passionate individuals who are nationally recognised as leaders in their sectors. My training contract with ACS was a fantastic start to my legal career, and the support that I received has continued�following�qualification.”

Sharon ThandiQualified�September�2017

VACATION SCHEMEOur vacation scheme has two purposes, it provides you with the opportunity to understand the work that we do and to discover whether it is your passion too. It gives us an opportunity to get to know you and whether you would�be�a�good�fit�for�a�training�contract�with�us.�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. You will have an opportunity to be involved in the real work that we do, carry out at least one group task and meet the people you might be working with. We will provide you with constructive feedback at the end of the two weeks and let you know if we can make you an offer of a training contract.

Our vacation scheme will run from 1-12 July 2019. The selection criteria to apply is the same as our training contract.

If your application is successful, we will invite you to a psychometric testing session and interview. Applications open on 5 November 2018 and the closing date is 8 March 2019.

Open dayWe hold an open day each year for anyone thinking about training at ACS. If you are interested in attending, please visit www.anthonycollins.com/careers to complete an application.

Work experienceWe offer work experience opportunities in a variety of departments. To apply, students aged 17 or over should send a copy of their CV and covering letter, explaining why they want to do work experience at ACS to careers@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 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 the 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 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 1,000 units per year within 5 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 on development joint ventures and projects to sit beneath the LLP. Thanks to this structure, within 5 years, up to 2,500 families will have brand new, high-quality, houses�that�are�warm,�efficient�and�(most�importantly)�affordable.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY AND A CHILD IN A ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

We successfully supported the mother of a child in a landmark�case�where�a�child�was�involved�in�a�road�traffic�accident caused by another person.

In 2008, our client’s (Ms Ellis) eight-year-old son, Caine, went to the park with his cousins. He was knocked down at�a�zebra�crossing�by�a�speeding�driver,�suffering�life�changing injuries.

During Caine’s compensation claim against the speeding driver, the legal representatives of the driver joined Ms Ellis into the claim as another defendant alongside the driver. They alleged she failed to care for him by allowing him to play in a nearby park without an adult present – a cynical attempt to reduce the amount of compensation the defendant’s insurance company will have to pay.

We successfully supported Ms Ellis in defending the driver’s claim against her and the High Court dismissed the�claim,�finding�her�to�be�“a�responsible�mother�who�took proper care for Caine’s safety” and ruled that the driver was wholly to blame.

The�court�confirmed�that�the�test�a�parent�should�be�measured against is the standard of a reasonable parent and recognised that responsible parenting comes in many forms, encompassing a range of approaches and is not based on prescriptive rules.

It is hoped that the decision will dissuade insurance companies from trying to avoid paying compensation for accidents by unfairly alleging parents are to blame. As thousands of children are injured on our roads every year, the implications for children and their families could be far-reaching.

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

Passionate about 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 reinvent 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 while 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 or the third year of your non-law degree, but you can apply after this too! We recruit via our Vacation Scheme but also via the more traditional route explained below.

Non-law students who want to become solicitors or barristers need to complete the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). The course puts non-law graduates on an equal platform with those who studied law at undergraduate level.

We will be recruiting for 2020 and 2021 in our next round of recruitment, and you will be able to apply between 5 November 2018 and 31 July 2019.

If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to take part in a psychometric assessment, an interview and assessment centre (unless you attended the vacation scheme). All of the assessments will take place in August/September 2019, so please make sure you are free to attend.

For further information, 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.

OUR PURPOSE AND VALUES IMPROVING LIVES, COMMUNITIES AND SOCIETY

Our valuesPurpose-drivenShow respectBuild relationshipsDemonstrate integrityDeliver excellence