In a strategic shift, FDR Law has transitioned from a full-service practice to a consultant-led property specialist firm, following its acquisition by Taylor Rose in 2021.
Gina Padmore, the newly appointed chief executive of FDR Law, emphasised the firm’s capacity to function as a virtual, fee-share entity alongside Taylor Rose’s existing conveyancing expertise. According to Ms. Padmore, the firm’s focus on property law is well-suited to consultancy work, a sentiment she believes will increasingly guide the future preferences of property lawyers.
The firm’s transformation allows property law consultants at Taylor Rose to migrate to FDR, a decision embraced by 21 consultants thus far, including new head of commercial property, Mustafa Hassan. Originally acquired by Taylor Rose in July 2021, FDR was based in Warrington and once serviced a broad range of legal needs across the North-West.
Gina Padmore detailed how the FDR team integrated with Taylor Rose during a ‘pause’ for IT enhancements, resulting in an independent and advanced case management system. Named Nebulaw and built on Salesforce, this cloud-based platform is designed to streamline processes such as conflict checks and risk assessments, effectively accessible on various devices to optimise productivity for consultants nationwide.
FDR Law operates without a high street presence, but its nationally scalable model coupled with its technological advancements positions it uniquely in the market. The company has no set recruitment targets for new lawyers within the year, yet its scalable model is positioned to grow swiftly. This model not only integrates a robust management infrastructure and service platform but also allows consultants to retain approximately 70% of their earnings.
According to Ms. Padmore, the consultancy framework is particularly appealing due to its work-life balance, further supported by the absence of fixed sales targets. Adrian Jaggard, Taylor Rose and AIIC Group’s chief executive, highlighted that the team has diligently laid the groundwork necessary for FDR’s successful relaunch. He remarked on the factors crucial for thriving in a consultancy-based setting, positioning the firm for excellence and rapid expansion.
The relaunch of FDR Law as a consultant-led property firm underscores a broader industry trend towards greater flexibility and specialisation within legal practices, particularly within property law.
