Before opening CHARD LAW, both partners, who met while at law school in Bristol, had been in practice for eight years. They chose to set up in Chard because they felt it to be a vibrant and lively town, which epitomised the Somerset way of life.

Typical of many small start-up businesses, the partners got covered in paint doing their own decorating and cleaning, working hard to get the office looking business like for the opening day. Preferring to open the practice with a high level of computer technology, which has been continually upgraded throughout the first years. This commitment to increased efficiency is paramount to the firm's success. The efficiency benefiting the clients in many ways including keeping costs down. The firm had a major difference however it had no male partners.

When they opened Helen told the local press, "We are very attached to this part of the world and the town is getting bigger and bigger. We feel there is room for a good solicitor's practice". Sue added: "Our breadth of experience is very great and we don't want to specialize. People want to know they can come to one place for everything. We are also trying to make it as user-friendly as possible. " Helen said that she also felt that because the practice only included female partners it would be more accessible and less intimidating to clients.

The partner's intention to make the firm as user-friendly as possible, mixing an old family solicitor's feel, with up-to-date and efficient techniques has certainly worked well. Chard Law has expanded its conveyancing department, taking on extra staff to enable it to offer an even more efficient service to its clients.

Home visits are also available as the partners feel that many people are happier to receive legal advice in their own surroundings.

CHARD LAW has certainly become the legal firm with personality.

After CHARD LAW's first years in the town, the partners are sure they have the right approach and are looking forward to future years serving Chard and the surrounding area. Helen and Sue look forward to extending a warm welcome to all future clients and would like to take this opportunity of thanking all past and present clients for their valued custom.