Interview with David Pester, Managing Partner, TLT Solicitors, Bristol
Interview with David Pester, the Managing Partner of award-winning, top 100 commercial law firm TLT. David was named 'Managing Partner of the Year' in the national British Legal Awards 2007.
Headquartered in Bristol and with an office in London, TLT is one of the fastest growing law firms in the UK.
Q David, please tell us about TLT
A TLT was formed in 2000 through the merger of two Bristol-based firms. Since then we've experienced sustained growth, both organically and through lateral hires and mergers. We've seen turnover triple to over £41million, we've tripled the number of staff to over 650 people and we've also opened a London office. In doing so, we've climbed 33 places in the top 100 rankings. Despite all of these changes we've managed to maintain a friendly and relaxed culture.
Q What differentiates TLT from other law firms?
A TLT is part of a new wave of law firms that is built around the needs of clients. We understand the commercial challenges faced by our clients and we are committed to delivering excellent expert legal advice efficiently and cost-effectively. This approach is attracting an increasing number of FTSE-listed and other national and international businesses including Barclays Bank, Punch Taverns, WHSmith, OKI Printing Solutions, and Ecotricity.
Q What are TLT's main legal practice areas?
A TLT is a full service law firm providing industry-focused services and we have an increasingly national reputation in our five chosenindustry sectors - Financial Services, Leisure, Retail, Technology and Media, and the Built Environment. TLT has specialist expertise in banking, corporate recovery and insolvency, corporate finance, commercial, litigation, employment, IT, real estate and international trade.
Q Why should people consider joining TLT?
A TLT can offer excellent career opportunities for talented individuals. In the past few years TLT has attracted people from leading City firms. One lawyer who joined TLT from a top 10 practice in the City, told me that the quality of work is the same but she now has closer contact with clients and is more involved in business development. As an energetic and ambitious law firm TLT can offer staff significant career and personal development opportunities. Competitive pay, ongoing training and development and equal opportunities are a given. We've also just launched a full flexible benefits package to reward staff, one of only ten law firms in the UK to offer this benefit.
Q What type of people does the firm attract?
A We recruit talented people with a passion for client service. We're an ambitious firm and we want to work with people who are motivated to work as a team in order to make a positive difference to both the firm and to our clients. We encourage innovative thinking and this is reflected in a recent report published by the Financial Times in which TLT was ranked as one of the most innovative law firms in Europe.
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