The Ellisons Way — Four focal points for success
Ellisons is celebrating 260 years as a leading law firm in East Anglia and further afield. Managing partner Guy Longhurst shows us the ‘Ellisons Way’ – a set of practices and fundamental principles that the firm has long sought to see permeating its DNA
Ellisons has always been an unusually forward-thinking law firm. When I was offered my first job here almost 30 years ago, I had received very disappointing A-Level results and taken a rather convoluted route into law, via a four-year town planning degree and a law conversion course. My journey to qualifying as a solicitor had a huge impact on how I lead and manage Ellisons today. The Ellisons Way is at the heart of that, an everyday way of life we strive to achieve to ensure we are serving our clients and colleagues in the best possible way.
Clients at the centre
Placing clients first is not mere lip service but the cornerstone of the Ellisons Way. The team works together to provide comprehensive, personalised support that ensures clients have our best every single day, not just once in a while. Ellisons is a partner-led, multidisciplinary legal team, offering well-rounded advice and solutions for clients. With 300 colleagues located across Essex and Suffolk, we develop long-term relationships and are proud that many of our clients have been with us for several generations. We are also always evaluating our work and successes to improve what we do and continue to grow.
Working together as one
We understand how often the team faces intense pressure, which is why we work together to help one another in everything we do. Wellbeing is important to us all, and we have wellbeing champions throughout the firm and in every office. Their priority is to make sure each team member gets the best out of themselves at work and at home. They can offer real solutions to support the teams, including sleep workshops and first aid for mental health.
Events like our upcoming ‘Back to School Sports Day’ are the perfect example of how we prioritise enjoying life – inside and outside of work. It is this commitment to a positive workplace culture that has earned us the Great Place to Work certification, something of which we are very proud.
Celebrating diversity and talent
As one of the oldest firms in the East of England, we understand the importance of seeking out and growing talent. I wouldn’t be where I am without Ellisons, and I have always pushed to recognise candidates with the right attitude, rather than just the right results. We are very proud of our diversity and the way we recruit our talented people, plus all the various career routes we offer. The Ellisons Academy, our ongoing development programme for colleagues, is award-winning, helping colleagues to grow professionally and personally in their chosen careers. Our trainee scheme for solicitors and legal executives has run for more than 25 years, and we also welcome apprenticeships each year, providing unique opportunities for youngsters of every background.
Outward looking
We have always been strong supporters of the communities where we live and work across Essex and Suffolk. Our colleagues also pride themselves on their involvement with clubs, charities and associations in the community.
Our dementia-friendly champions lead the way by promoting inclusivity, and many of them can be found supporting local initiatives, such as cafes, to ensure people are properly supported.
In 2024 it was important for us to celebrate our big anniversary by giving back to the community. We have already raised tens of thousands of pounds for Essex Wildlife Trust and the Brain Tumour Charity by taking part in various fundraising initiatives: marathons, ‘tandemathons’, sweepstakes, or indeed running 5k a day. We also have lots more fundraising activities planned for the rest of the year.
Doing it our way
The Ellisons Way is more than a set of guidelines. It embodies the values and principles we stand for as leaders in our industry and community. We may be celebrating our 260th anniversary, but the Ellisons Way is going to ensure we are still serving our community for many years to come.
