Leiper Gupta Family Lawyers are 10!
For the last two weeks we’ve been counting down to our BIG anniversary. We can’t quite believe it’s ten years since we first started the business, and how much we’ve achieved in that time. So, here’s our story and our milestones, and why we’ll be raising a glass or two today to celebrate - after work, of course!
Early days
Rita and Anne first met in 2001 when working for a local family law firm. However, it wasn’t until December 2007 that Anne rang Rita and suggested they go into business together. Since Anne decide to ring between Christmas and New Year, Rita initially thought that it was a “wind up”, but luckily Anne persuaded her otherwise!
In just six short months, we had set up our law practice. LG Law first opened its doors on 1 July 2008 with just 8 case files in hand. Word quickly spread and soon we were in demand for our soon-to-become-signature divorce services with a more personal touch. The bespoke nature of our services, along with our individual reputation, meant that our filing cabinets filled up quickly!
Moving on
We started off in Saddlers Court, a set of converted stables on Yateley high street. As our business grew, so did the need for bigger business premises. So, three years after we first opened our doors, we moved into larger offices. That move away from the high street gave our clients the discretion that they deserved and needed. It was to set the pattern for all our subsequent offices – welcoming yet discreet.
Pretty Park
Rapidly outgrowing these premises, LGFL LLP (as we had become) moved into the much more elegant surroundings of Park House, in the grounds of Warbrook House in Eversley.
The former house had been converted into a suite of offices, and as soon as we saw it, we realised the potential of a location that was both calming and discreet. Many a client came to talk through their case in our sun-filled meeting room, with views across the parkland, and deer and rabbits nibbling on the lawn outside!
Why we chose Wyvols Court
When the time came to move LGFL Ltd (as we now were), we knew Park House would be a hard act to follow. However, we were thrilled to find another country period property location in Swallowfield, just a 10-minute drive from Warbrook House.
Wyvols Court had been sympathetically converted into a thriving business space, with various firms occupying sections of the former manor house. In June last year, LGFL Ltd took up residence in a corner suite of rooms, including a smart meeting room. With a more commercial feel, and better accessibility to the motorways and public transport, the move reflected our progression as a company.
The great advantage for clients visiting us at Wyvols Court is the high level of anonymity, as anyone seeing someone in Reception has no idea which company they are visiting. Our clients don’t even have to put their name in the visitor book, as we keep our own private records. There’s lots of parking, a relaxing countryside setting, sheltered gardens and even wildlife!
Professional Recognition
At LGFL Ltd, we’re immensely proud of our achievements within our field of family law. It’s often hard for a boutique law firm like us to make a big impact, but through determination, hard work and a commitment to helping others, we have gained the respect of many fellow professionals.
As a company, we were thrilled to be listed as a Leading Firm in the Legal 500 UK at the first time of applying in 2017, with both Directors individually included. LGFL Ltd were also listed in Chambers & Partners on the first time of applying as a Recognised Practice.
For 2019, LGFL Ltd will have a firm ranking in the Chambers and Partners UK Guide in the Family/Matrimonial section for Reading and Surrounds. In addition, Directors Anne Leiper and Rita Gupta will be listed. Our 2019 ranking position and the Chambers editorial commentary will be published in November 2018.
Achievements and Awards
Our Directors have also been recognised for their achievements.
Rita Gupta
Rita deals with all areas of Family Law covering divorce, finances, cohabitation issues, and with particular expertise in cases involving children. Rita’s commitment to developing herself and nurture new legal talent extends to being:
• A former member of the Law Society’s Children Law Panel
• On the Law Society Mentoring Scheme
• In charge of our popular internship scheme at LGFL
Awards and recognition include:
• Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer
• Chambers and Partners listed
• Lawyer Monthly's Family Law Solicitor of the Year 2017
• Finalist for Hampshire Professional of the Year 2017 at the Venus Awards
Anne Leiper
Anne has worked solely in the area of Family Law since qualification. She has a particular expertise in financial settlements and solutions on relationship breakdown, and regularly deals with high net worth clients and complex financial matters. Anne is a:
• Member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel
• Resolution Accredited Mediator
• Fully accredited collaborative lawyer
• Long-standing member of Resolution
Awards and recognition include:
• Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer
• Chambers and Partners listed
• Help and Support for Separated Families (HSSF) Mark
Helping clients access our advice and service
In our anniversary year, Rita now offers appointments at Spaces in central Reading. This smart business space offers a bustling atmosphere and more informal meeting space, ideal for the popular free 30-minute consultation we have offered for many years. It also allows our clients to pop in during their lunch break or before returning home, without friends or partners being aware. This location is particularly popular with those clients who commute into London, as it is within a stone’s throw of Reading main station.
We also offer consultations via Skye or telephone for those unable to meet us in person, especially those ex-pats living abroad. This isn’t actually anything new for us: one ex-client was based in Hong Kong, and Rita never met him until after the divorce, when she was on holiday in Honkers!
Our multi-location service is part of our drive to improve our services to suit our clients in terms of flexibility, accessibility and empathy. We have big plans too for increasing accessibility to our services online - keep your eyes on our blog and social media for further details!
Looking ahead with confidence
In the meantime, we’re just delighted that LGFL Ltd has done what we set out to do - provide a more personal, empathetic yet pragmatic way to get divorced and deal with family issues than other firms offered. We are delighted that we have long-term clients that we help with various issues, but also pleased when a client comes once, we solve their issue, and they can move on.
If you’d like to experience the LGFL Ltd level of service, just contact us for an appointment. There might even be a slice of birthday cake left over if you’re quick!