New Head of Risk and Compliance for Vincents
Growing law firm plans for the future with senior hire
Vincents Solicitors has appointed a leading specialist as Head of Risk and Compliance. Kate Burt is a nationally recognised compliance consultant who has worked for law firms right across the UK ensuring their compliance policies and procedures are in line with current legislation and regulations.
A solicitor who has specialised in the field, Kate will take on responsibility for the firm’s regulatory compliance strategy and implementation, and risk management. She takes on this role from the directors who will in turn be able to concentrate on their client work and the development of the practice.
Compliance is overseen by by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The requirement exists to ensure the practice, its employees, its systems and processes all adhere to SRA rules, ensuring best practice and providing client reassurance.
Phillip Gilmore, managing director at Vincents, said: “The regulatory landscape is always changing and we believe these days requires an in-house expert to manage our requirements. It’s imperative for a firm growing at the rate we are, that we have experts leading every department, with the right skills and experience to support our expansion. Bringing with her a wealth of knowledge from working with law firms across the country, we are delighted to have secured Kate’s services.”
Originally a litigation solicitor for large insurer clients, Kate moved into compliance after identifying a growing need for specialists within the profession.
She said: “Due to the recent and expected growth of the practice, it makes sense to have a specialist in place to ensure the frameworks and resources are in place to support that expansion. Modern law firms are dealing with a constantly changing regulatory regime, and having in-house support provides instant access to expert advice in today’s fast moving market.
“Compliance is open to interpretation and therefore requires an experienced hand to guide the firm. Vincents is recognising this is a true specialism and, by bringing in additional support, is enabling fee earners and the firm to practice, develop and innovate from a sound compliance footing.”
Established in 2000 in Garstang, Vincents has grown to comprise six offices across Lancashire and a team of more than 100. The firm recently secured funding of £1.2m from Lloyds Bank to support its five-year expansion plan through mergers, acquisition and organic growth. This funding came on the back of a sustained increase in turnover over the last three years of around 36 per cent.
ENDS
Pictured (L-R): Vincents Solicitors’ Head of Risk and Compliance Kate Burt with managing director Phillip Gilmore.