Bristol Law Society, the oldest regional law society in the country, has acquired a new base in the city centre – the first time in its 246-year history it has owned its own premises.
The move to the 1,800 sq ft of space over two floors on Colston Avenue will enable BLS to widen its range of legal services to its 4,000 members from the legal communities of Bristol and Bath and other professional bodies.
For the past 30 years it has been based in the Law Library in Small Street, next door to Bristol Crown Court.
Founded in 1770, its members include solicitors and trainee solicitors, barristers, pupil barristers, CILEx members and, in the case of corporate firm members, all those working within that organisation including support staff.
Membership has soared from 800 to around 4,000 over the past six years
Its services range from social and professional networking seminars and events, representation and lobbying to recruitment and careers services. It also offers limited historical information services to help practitioners with research.
The move to the new premises – which front onto the The Centre – will enable BLS to offer enhanced conference facilities, mediation suites, office space and meeting rooms, making it a legal hub for practitioners and those working in the legal sector in Bristol and the surrounding areas. Rooms will also be available for hire – offering rare conference or meeting facilities right in the city centre.
BLS president Becky Moyce, a property litigation partner with Bristol firm Temple Bright, said: “I am extremely proud and privileged to be the first president to benefit from this. So much hard work has been put into achieving the move which will provide BLS with an excellent foundation on which to build a stable and successful future.”
Bristol property agents Burston Cook helped BLS in its search for the new property and negotiated terms.
Burston Cook associate director Finola Ingham said: “We are delighted to have been able to assist the oldest law society in the country in securing a new HQ. The property is prominently located and will provide an excellent home for the Bristol Law Society.”
Legal advice was provided by Steve Schofield and Ben Tarrant, commercial property partners in the Bristol office of Thrings, who carried out due diligence on the property and funders’ requirements. They were supported by solicitor Jade Kent, who advised on corporate governance matters.
Ben, a former president of BLS, said: “I have been involved with Bristol Law Society for around six years and have seen the organisation grow year on year during this period. The new offices, which are in a more prominent location in the heart of Bristol, are the next stage in BLS’ development and will enable the society to offer members enhanced services and extend its reach amongst the Bristol business community.
“Thrings is very pleased to have advised BLS on this important and historic acquisition, and we are delighted to see the society leading the way amongst major provincial city law societies in the provision of services to its members.”
Lloyds Bank part-funded the acquisition by providing BLS with a mortgage loan.
Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking relationship manager Duncan Edler added: “The purchase of the premises marks an exciting new chapter of growth for BLS, allowing the society to expand its offering for its members and build upon its established reputation for high-quality services.
“The new mediation rooms will allow lawyers across the city to resolve cases in a neutral environment and is a great addition to the society. Our sector expertise helps us provide businesses like BLS with the tailored support they need to thrive and we look forward to working with them in the future.”
The property has undergone significant refurbishment to enable it to match BLS members’ requirements and aspirations.
Bristol interior design consultancy Lancer Scott design consultant Chris Randall worked closely last year with John Moriarty, then BLS president, on a three-month design-and-build contract which will enable the society to have enhanced administrative offices, conference and meeting room facilities.
Pictured, from left: Steve Schofield (Thrings); Chris Randall (Lancer Scott); Becky Moyce (Bristol Law Society); Paul McCluskey (Lloyds Bank); and Duncan Edler (Lloyds Bank), outside BLS’ new premises
