Irwin Mitchell becomes largest law firm to net ABS status

A law firm with one of the leading claimant public law practices has become the latest organisation to be authorised as an alternative business structure.

With more than 2,200 staff across its seven offices and annual turnover in excess of £183m, Irwin Mitchell is the largest firm so far to become an ABS.

Its application was also the first involving multiple licences to be endorsed. Five different entities within the Irwin Mitchell Group have been approved.

Irwin Mitchell was one of the first law firms to take advantage of the opportunity to convert to legal disciplinary status in May 2010 and promote non-lawyers to equity.

John Pickering, Group Chief Executive at Irwin Mitchell, described ABS approval as a major step forward for the group.

He said: “It's a very significant day for us, an important milestone which positions us well to take advantage of the opportunities which we think will arise from the changing legal landscape.

"We can now push on with our plans for growing the business. Conversion to ABS status sends a clear signal that we intend to move forward with our strategy and we are pleased to be the first multi-licensed ABS, which reflects the breadth of our offering to clients.”

Antony Townsend, SRA Chief Executive, said: "The ABS total is gathering pace as is the variety of models that we are seeing emerge. Irwin Mitchell is one of the largest organisations we have authorised so far, and the first multi-licence to be granted. It just shows that the new legislation gives plenty of scope for all types of applications.”

Irwin Mitchell, which has acted in a number of the most high-profile judicial review actions against local authorities in recent years, has become the 19th organisation to win ABS status.

Other notable firms to have gone down this route are Winckworth Sherwood and Russell Jones & Walker.

The five licences have been granted to: Irwin Mitchell LLP; Irwin Mitchell Trustees Limited; Irwin Mitchell Trust Corporation Limited (which accepts appointments to act as deputy from the Court of Protection); Ascent Collections Limited; and Coris UK Limited.