Lighter Side: Barrister or barista?

One of the UK’s premier personal injury firms is closing its Middlesbrough office and the building is being converted into a coffee shop

One of the UK’s preeminent personal injury firms is closing its Middlesbrough office and the building is being converted into a coffee shop, according to local media.

Staff in the office reportedly only found out when representatives of Costa Coffee arrived at reception prepared to measure the building in preparation for the conversion.

Days later, one of the firm’s senior partners admitted that the branch was indeed closing and that staff would be moving to Newcastle, Sheffield, or out on the street.

Thompsons firm has jumped a few hurdles lately, with rumour having it that the firm was recently axed from the legal panel of the GMB union (Britain’s general trade union), it’s fourth largest client, after the GMB suggested that it enter into an alternative business structure with Thompsons in order to share the profits of litigation conducted on behalf of its members.

Not surprisingly, Thompson was unwelcoming of the idea, instead favouring the original agreement where it pocketed the profit itself and paid a referral fee to the union. 

Recent articles & video

Allens assists Seraya Partners with landmark acquisition of ASX lister

Law Council of Australia, ACT Bar call out underfunding in legal aid sector

NSW Law Soc, LexisNexis team up on AI Glossary

Report recommends US federal courts award monetary damages for workplace misconduct

Report highlights racial challenges faced by South Asian partners in the UK

Michael Best & Friedrich enters California market by absorbing Los Angeles law firm

Most Read Articles

Revealing the top influencers in Australia’s legal profession for 2024

HSF helps consortium wth Ulinda Park BESS project financing

Federal Court fines employer for failing to issue payslips

Lander & Rogers brings in digital economy practice head