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Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP (RPC) can trace its roots back to 1898. Today it employs 65 partners, over 20 lawyers, and a hundred-or-so other staff. It is also among the last of the full-equity law firms – an incentive for those who one day want to see their name embossed on the letterhead.
Traditionally, this money was made from litigation, especially insurance. RPC acts on behalf of three of the big four and has advised insurance giants Zurich and Swiss Re on claims spanning several jurisdictions. While investment in lateral hires has meant more quality commercial work, 70% of 2010’s £60m turnover came from contentious work. The firm has made some big ripples with clinical negligence, education and personal injury cases.
The firm has made some big ripples with clinical negligence, education and personal injury cases.
RPC also has one of the most respected media defence practices in the UK, acting for the Guardian, Associated Newspapers and Trinity Mirror PLC. Noteworthy cases include representing The Sun in the Robert Murat libel case and Google in a High Court libel action.
In addition to a roster of publishers, the firm also represents:
The Legal 500 puts it in the first tier of UK law firms for Defamation and privacy.
And in the second tier for: Insurance and reinsurance litigation; Insurance: corporate and regulatory; Insurance: insolvency and restructuring; Professional negligence; Education: schools; and TMT.
The recent recession has led to an increase in litigation cases whereby, for example, clients sue if they have been badly advised financially, encouraging RPC to continue its expansion into every conceivable dispute resolution niche. It did not made the mistake of neglecting non-contentious specialisms, supporting these with some choice lateral hires.
The firm is getting an increasing number of overseas assignments – the fruition of a long-standing membership to the Terralex , a global network of 15,000 lawyers spanning 100 countries. Its increased focus on transactional work also means that salaries should start to reflect growing profits.
Trainee salary package
Salary on qualification
A management change, an influx of big-hitting partners and the move to new premises in trendy St Katherine docks offices has created a buzz in and around Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP (RPC).
The new Richard Rogers-designed building is constructed almost entirely of glass – a far cry from premises the firm previously occupied on High Holborn. St. Katherine docks couldn’t be a more different environment, with its piazza, swanky flats and contemporary restaurants. The glass construction gives the office an open feel and good views of the docks, the Tower of London and Shard London Bridge. There were concerns about distractions in an open-plan environment but white-noise machines mean the office is quiet. Black leather designer chairs with built-in coat hangers add to the modern feel.
Rumour has it that the hours are still more forgiving than at a magic circle firm.
Equally modern is the decision to sit secretaries, fee earners and management in a pod system – open plan, open culture. The theory is that a flatter structure means trainees are not discouraged from asking partners for advice; or from having fun together at the posh Christmas party. The dress code at work, however, is still formal.
With the firm aiming for an equal split between corporate and insurance work, the days of being home at a normal time are fast-receding into the distance. But rumour has it that the hours are still more forgiving than at a magic circle firm.
RPC supports the Lloyds Community programme which lets lawyers mentor students at local schools, as well as the Limitless London Mentoring Scheme, the TARGET Chances diversity initiative and the BPP Diversity Access Scheme. Many of the firm’s employees have been involved with organising and participating in events to raise money for its charity of the year, Mencap. The firm is also a member of Stonewall and Interlaw to help promote equality for LGBT employees.
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