Dear Sir
The members of the Wolverhampton Law Society are truly saddened by the demise of Hall Pratt and Pritchard solicitors as reported in the Express & Star. Established in 1772 the firm was nearly 100 years older than the Society itself and had been an integral part of the professional landscape in Wolverhampton for generations.
The year in which the firm was founded saw the start of Captain Cook’s return expedition to the South Seas and Britain still had a governor in New York. During the ensuing period of over 200 years it made a valuable contribution to the local community helping both businesses and individuals manage their legal affairs.
In recent times the firm faced difficult challenges which the Partners sought to address with a degree of commitment that would have befitted their forebears. It ultimately succumbed in the face of the on-going Recession.
In a letter to me as the President of the Wolverhampton Law Society Senior Partner Jonathan Ritson said:-
“Hall Pratt and Pritchard was established in 1772 and I have lived breathed and slept the firm for my entire working life.
I would like you to pass on my thanks to fellow Council members and other members of the profession locally for the friendship and support that they have shown me over the last 18 years and particularly at this sad and difficult time for my firm”.
It was reported in the Express and Star that the closure of this particular firm could herald the demise of smaller firms in the High Street. It was implied thereby that “big is beautiful”. With respect, this is not necessarily the case when it comes to the provision of local legal services. Indeed, within the legal sector there have been a number of very big concerns that have gone to the wall including some linked with so-called national brands.
I believe that we are fortunate in Wolverhampton to have a strong and diverse community of law firms which has proved to be most resilient despite the ravages of the Recession. As President I should know as I have the privilege to represent upwards of 50 such firms both large and small.
Yours sincerely,
Nick Wynn-Williams
President Wolverhampton Law Society
