Background Information
Q: What is the origin of the firm?
A: Manches was founded in 1936 by Sidney Manches in a single room in what is now Broadgate. He and his wife Judith were the first husband and wife to practice in partnership. In 1956 they moved to Wigmore Street and then in 1990 the firm's London office moved to Aldwych House. Peter Angel opened the Oxford office in 1982. We opened a Reading office in May 2008.
Q: How is the firm now managed?
A: Jane Simpson, an eminent family lawyer is Chairman. Louis Manches heads the London office and Richard Smith the Oxford and Reading offices.
Q: What size is the firm?
A: Around 65 partners; 120 lawyers; 330 people in all
Q: How has the firm grown?
A: Mainly by organic growth in our key areas. We have also merged with / acquired four smaller firms with complementary practices to ours
Q: What are the firm's key areas?
A: The main commercial areas are real estate, retail and commercial technologies in London and publishing, life sciences and IT in Oxford and Reading. We have one of the country's top family law practices in the private client sector and a highly regarded litigation team.
Q: How many trainees do you take?
A: Normally around 10 each year
Q: How many do you keep on?
A: Ideally all of them if they are good enough
Q: What do you look for in trainees?
A: We obviously need people with good intellectual ability but we are looking for something extra as well. We look for people with commitment and energy, and the ability to relate to people at all levels. Trainees are the future lifeblood of our firm. We want to be able to visualise each of them growing to be future partners
Q: What makes Manches different?
A: Like many firms we have excellent lawyers. We also have an open friendly and energetic atmosphere and a commitment to understand what our clients are striving to achieve and go the extra mile for them. Above all, we want our clients to enjoy working with us.
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