Celebrating Two Years of Ionic Legal
Two years ago, Roy Crozier and I set up Ionic Legal, a niche IP and Technology practice in the UK, to offer high-quality legal advice in a way that is modern, practical and client-focused. The decision reflected a wider view we had formed over time about how legal services could be delivered more effectively. We had both seen talented lawyers become frustrated by internal politics, unclear promotion paths and structures that often made it harder to focus on clients and do their work.
Part of our thinking was to create a platform for lawyers to express themselves and work in a way which best suits their working habits and practices. We wanted people to enjoy working together which would create a more collaborative environment.
Our view was that legal advice should be straightforward, accessible and grounded in a strong understanding of each client’s commercial priorities.
Many major clients instructed us from the outset, welcoming what the new firm could offer and a number of longstanding colleagues joined us including Annalisa Checchi.
Like any new business, the early stages involved a lot of hard work and late nights. There were also many trips around Europe and to the US to spread the word about our new practice.
Over the past two years, Ionic Legal has grown steadily, advising on complex intellectual property matters, supporting businesses through important commercial decisions, and helping clients deal with disputes and other challenges.
We are highly rated in all of the major legal guides to the profession and recently opened a Winchester office alongside our London and Manchester bases, and we welcomed new partner Tania D’Souza Culora to strengthen our contentious IP and brand protection work. Tania is dual qualified in England and Wales and Ontario, Canada, and brings over 20 years of experience from international firms including Baker McKenzie and Gowling WLG. We have also expanded our paralegal team to ensure clients receive quick and efficient service day to day.
Reaching the two-year mark is an important milestone. It also reflects the trust placed in us by clients, colleagues and partners since the firm was established. Running our own practice has allowed us to work more closely with clients and has given us more control over what we do, how we service our clients and how we reward our colleagues.
As I look back, I am pleased that we have managed to build what we set out to do two years ago and it has been far quicker than we predicted.
Looking ahead, Ionic Legal remains focused on strengthening long-term client relationships, broadening our expertise and continuing to provide clear, commercially focused advice in a way most suited to our clients. For lawyers considering a different way of practising, our experience shows that it is possible to build something that works better for both clients and the lawyers delivering the service.
