L-R: Akbar Ali, Charlotte Fogg, Sarah Scholfield (Glaisyers) and Andrea Fogg
A trainee legal executive and her practice manager sister have taken over the law firm owned by their mother after her death, by restructuring it as an alternative business structure (ABS).
Maria Fogg Family Law was established in Liverpool in 2011 by the eponymous sole practitioner, aided by Charlotte, a trainee chartered legal executive, and Andrea, the practice manager, along with four other staff.
It has a long-term legal aid contract and strong links with domestic abuse agencies across Merseyside.
Maria died suddenly in November 2018 at the age of 55. Charlotte Fogg said they were committed to continuing running the firm: “We wanted to keep the firm going, and in the family, because we felt passionate about continuing our mother’s legacy.
“The firm always had a fantastic reputation and does really important work for vulnerable clients, with many cases involving domestic violence or child protection.”
The firm has converted to an ABS, with the sisters as directors and shareholders, while Annemarie Hussey has joined as its head of legal practice (HOLP). A director of the company, but not a shareholder, she is also the supervising solicitor and director of legal services.
Fellow ABS Glaisyers advised the firm. Head of corporate Akbar Ali said: “Maria Fogg Family Law is a well-established business providing a crucial service. This is a firm that helps real people in its local community when they are at their most vulnerable and I am proud we have been able to help secure its future.”
Last year, Glaisyers was acquired by a consortium led by ETL Group [1], which describes itself as an integrated global advisory network combining tax, legal, audit and accounting services.