[1]Howarth: rationalised and delegated administrative processes
One Legal – the alternative business structure originally set up in 2013 to work alongside the now-defunct Stobart Barristers – has shot back into the limelight by acquiring well-known criminal defence law firm Kaim Todner.
The deal secures the future of Kaim Todner – now a trading name of One Legal – after it recently announced its intention to close.
One Legal was co-founded [2] by Trevor Howarth, founder of Stobart Barristers, to complete the logistics’ group’s legal offering, but in 2014 he left to run One Legal as a separate business and Stobarts shut down its legal ambitions [3].
Kaim Todner has acted on many high-profile criminal and extradition cases, including ‘Pentagon Hacker’ Gary McKinnon’s extradition case, and most recently acted for fellow criminal law firms in fighting the government’s legal aid reforms.
Founder Karen Todner commented: “I am delighted that we have secured a way for the firm to continue it in its present format, under the umbrella of One Legal.
“A key consideration has been that One Legal is in a position to invest in and bring modern working practices to criminal defence firms without any compromise in the quality of legal service provision to clients within the criminal legal system…
“Having looked into the prospect of closing, I can say that I don’t think that any criminal firm can ever afford to close. The fact is that many firms are now struggling along, seeking to avoid the costs, including run-off costs, and regulatory issues of closing, but without a coherent, viable plan for their future.
“As part of its acquisition, One Legal has provided a centralised back-office function and bespoke IT and case management solution to enable us to work more efficiently and viably.”
Mr Howarth said: “The traditional business model for solicitors is becoming increasingly challenging to maintain.
“By joining One Legal, Kaim Todner Solicitors has effectively rationalised and delegated administrative processes to enable it to reduce and control running costs whilst simultaneously freeing fee earners to fully focus on what they do best, namely providing prompt, efficient and quality legal services to clients and others within the wider criminal justice system.”