Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP > Holland-on-Sea, England > Firm Profile

Diversity/Community

FJG are committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity and to making FJG not only a great place to work but a great place for our clients to do business.

We realise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are proud to be signatories of the Law Society’s diversity and inclusion Charter.

Established in 2009, the Charter is designed to help practices turn their commitment to diversity and inclusion into positive, practical action.

It is a public commitment by FJG to promote the values of diversity and inclusion. Whether through recruitment, retention, career progression or training and development, we are committed to improving opportunities for people in the legal profession, regardless of their background or circumstances.

As Charter signatories we are required to participate in a biennial report. This is to show how well we are meeting our Charter commitments, and where more work needs to be done. There is also a set of protocols to help us fulfil our commitments, accompanied by checklists and best practice guidelines.

Our equal opportunities policy applies to recruitment, terms and conditions of employment, training, trust, promotion, acceptance of differences, and the rights of the individual to work in an atmosphere free from discrimination and prejudice.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that means equal opportunities for success irrespective of and without regard to race, religion or belief, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or transgender status.

These policies also extend beyond the workplace to our professional dealings outside of the practice through our customer service and staff training.

We are the first law firm to be awarded the d/Deaf-Aware Quality Mark and are fully committed to increasing communication provisions and training in order to provide equal opportunities and access to legal services for all.

FJG is also the first law firm in the UK to work with SignLive, ensuring that d/Deaf clients gain swifter access to legal services with the support of a qualified British Sign Language Interpreter.

FJG are also Dementia Friends, with nearly all of the Wills, Life Planning and Probate team having undergone the training for this scheme in order to give support and understanding to those affected by Dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Client Testimonials

Ellen Petersen Testimonials

TESTIMONIAL: Ellen Petersen acted in the acquisition of land and farm buildings which we intend to develop. We were very pleased with the service provided; she did a very thorough due diligence prior to purchase to avoid any pitfalls or unforeseen issues and her extensive knowledge of property ensured that everything was covered. Ellen liaised with the sellers and completed the sale once the due diligence was completed. She was very responsive to all our queries and highly professional. We will continue to work with her on future acquisitions and would be happy to recommend her.

CLIENT: AJV Developments Ltd; Halstead Capital Ltd; Greenford Capital Ltd; Fountain Acquisitions Ltd
TESTIMONIAL: Ellen Petersen has been working with my business for the last four years or so. In that time, we have bought and sold various commercial sites, some subject to occupational tenancies, we have worked with banks to provide security for acquisition and development loans and have also perfected commercial portfolio leases over various sites. Ellen has led each transaction in a fluid, articulate and timely way. She understands complex and technical transactional work and is able to take the lead in trying to find creative solutions to issues, which might otherwise scupper a deal. I am happy to recommend Ellen and her team.

Simon Osborn Testimonials

CLIENT:DW, Colchester
TESTIMONIAL: Simon Osborn ….. was professional and competent while being caring and understanding, a brilliant mix.

CLIENT:VG, Colchester
TESTIMONIAL: Simon Osborn has been a pleasure to deal with. I have appreciated his professional yet friendly approach and his excellent advice.

CLIENT:GH, Colchester
TESTIMONIAL: I just wanted to thank you for the fantastic advice and support that you provided to L over the past few years. Thank you for your help. L is now able to move on with her life.

Bushra Elzubeir Testimonials

CLIENT:Mr Byron
COMPANY/FIRM: Sole Trader
TESTIMONIAL: I had spoken with a number lawyers before Bushra and I think that his analysis is the most prescient that I have heard thus far.

CLIENT: Mr John Herbert
COMPANY/FIRM: Gosh (Projects) Ltd
TESTIMONIAL: A fantastic result and this is, I’m sure, down to your professionalism. Thank you for acting speedily and efficiently in this matter.

COMPANY/FIRM: Braintree Dental Studio
TESTIMONIAL: For contentious work I wouldn’t recommend using any other lawyer.

Leah Groves Testimonials

CLIENT: Paul Downes
COMPANY/FIRM: Dentist
TESTIMONIAL: Leah Groves and her team from Fisher Jones Greenwood provided a professional legal service when it came to selling my share in the dental partnership. She kept me fully informed of what was happening all the way along the process and her speed of reply was exemplary. She is a good communicator and very pleasant to deal with. Leah is an efficient worker and did everything possible to make sure that the sale completed on time. She is incredibly experienced in this specialised field I am immensely pleased that I chose Leah; I have already recommended her services to others.

CLIENT: Stephen Wood
COMPANY/FIRM: Tax Partner, Barnes Roofe LLP
TESTIMONIAL: I recently had the privilege of working with Leah Groves in connection with the sale of a client’s dental practice. The practice, which was a relatively large mixed one (i.e. with both NHS and private clients) had been incorporated into a limited company structure in 2006. Leah demonstrated a thorough knowledge of dentistry and the complexities of the NHS contract and provided support and advice throughout the sale process in a professional but friendly manner. The deal had various complications, but Leah was always able to resolve any difficulties and keep matters on track.

Sharon Smith Testimonials

CLIENT: Mark Taylor
COMPANY/FIRM: Inova (UK)
TESTIMONIAL: We approached Sharon Smith regarding a planning matter, and were impressed with how promptly she responded, her professionalism, knowledge and efficiency. The issue was resolved in our favour within a matter of days, and we cannot recommend her highly enough.

CLIENT: Jim O’Connor
COMPANY/FIRM: Inova (UK)
TESTIMONIAL: Sharon helped us work through several proposed development scenarios advising us on the prospects of achieving consent and helping us refine our plans to increase the chances of success and optimise returns. She organised a pre-planning meeting the Planning Officer who gave us a written indication of likely planning outcomes. She has an in-depth understanding of planning law including historic buildings and Class Q development of farm buildings. She has a thorough understanding of planning processes and knows how to work with them. She is personable and diplomatic and interacts well with planning departments and officers.

CLIENT: Jenna Ackerley
COMPANY/FIRM: Events Under Canvas Ltd
TESTIMONIAL: We have been using Fisher Jones Greenwood planning consultant Sharon Smith for two years for various commercial property matters. We have always found Sharon and her team to be highly professional, knowledgeable and upfront. We would not hesitate to recommend FJG to businesses or individuals looking for support and advice in all matters planning related.

CLIENT: John Hall
COMPANY/FIRM: Lawford Tye Action Group
TESTIMONIAL: We dealt with Sharon Smith of Fisher Jones Greenwood as members of a Community Group challenging a Planning Application which went through to Public Inquiry. Sharon has a wide experience of the Planning Process, understands Planning Policy and Planning Guidance and was well placed to assist us preparing for Inquiry. We found her very practical and able to distill issues down to help us focus on the points that were important and really mattered. Getting 10 people together was challenging and Sharon was very accommodating with the times and venues. We are all appreciative of her skills and support.

CLIENT: Eleanor Skan
COMPANY/FIRM: Lawford Tye Action Group
TESTIMONIAL: Sharon Smith provided LTAG with invaluable information throughout the process. Under her patient guidance we have become informed, organised and focused on the best path to pursue. She has been professional and polite with all our communications and gone out of her way to assist us. Sharon has excellent knowledge of the formal legal proceedings which she has conveyed to us in a manner we could digest. Her practical advice on the more subtle elements such as the format of a Public Inquiry, what to expect and how to conduct ourselves was vital in giving us the confidence to proceed.

CLIENT: Nicola Thornton
COMPANY/FIRM: Caring Homes Group
TESTIMONIAL: Caring Homes Group have grown and developed across the UK in the last 25 years benefiting from the vital counsel and legal expertise of Fisher Jones Greenwood during planning applications and negotiations on brownfield sites and greenbelt land. Their timely relevant advice and knowledge of case law is second to none.

CLIENT: Alan Jackman
COMPANY/FIRM: Hill Farm
TESTIMONIAL: I feel very fortunate to have been introduced to Sharon Smith. From day one she made herself available whenever the need arose. I have been constantly impressed by both the depth and breadth of Sharon’s planning knowledge. Her clear thinking and incisiveness has helped me with three different planning issues and has shown me how important it is to keep focused on planning law and procedures and not to allow personal views to cloud one’s judgement. Her approachability combined with the extremely helpful inputs from her legal associates, have given me what I judge as a first class service.

CLIENT: Wayne Longman
COMPANY/FIRM: Air Options
TESTIMONIAL: I would recommend the services of FJG, in particular the specialist planning advice offered by Sharon Smith. Sharon is extremely knowledgeable and efficient in delivering the services promised on time, and as quoted. Solid communication is also key in that Sharon always returns your call and is happy to chat through particulars, as well as through email communication. These services represent good value in mitigating the planning risks, and in our case getting the project over the line with minimal risk. From a planning perspective FJG now offer everything we need from planning consultation through to commercial and domestic conveyancing.

Andrea Godfrey Testimonials

CLIENT: J Lawrence
TESTIMONIAL: I found Andrea Godfrey very helpful and understanding and very professional in the making of my Will. I found Andrea very approachable and helpful.

CLIENT: Ron Radway
COMPANY/FIRM: Essex Equity Release
TESTIMONIAL: I am an Independent Financial Adviser specialising in the concerns of Later Life. In the course of this over the past 25 years, I have dealt with countless numbers of Solicitors (on short & long term basis), both large Corporates & High Street Practitioners. I am very aware of the variance in quality & care provided and I am very cautious about developing relationships. However, my dealings with Fisher Jones Greenwood have been excellent from the front of house through to the solicitor dealing with the matter. All staff are helpful, keen, & professional.

CLIENT: Kay Fisher
COMPANY/FIRM: Plan Money
TESTIMONIAL: As an Independent Financial Adviser working within the advice area of Equity Release, I find it is beneficial for both my clients and I, to have a good working relationship with an equity release Solicitor. Working with the team at Fisher Jones Greenwood gives me great confidence, as they insist on face to face meetings, which I find are very beneficial. They offer a fixed free for the work involved and are extremely helpful and approachable when dealing with me or my clients. For these reasons, I would always recommend them.

Ashton Carter Testimonials

TESTIMONIAL: We have been trading 34 years since the company was established in 1986. Over this time FJG has provided the company secretariat, keeping all our official information and filed accounts up to date. In addition they have being there for us to advise on all matters on commercial contracts, where necessary seeking Counsel’s opinions and drafting agreements and legal documents. We have not changed FJG as our legal advisors over this period. They know us, they know our business. This continuity of service, advice and guidance from FJG is incredibly important in the fast moving world of markets and commerce.

CLIENT: Patrick Burgess
COMPANY/FIRM: Nutbourne Ltd.
TESTIMONIAL: Working with Ashton Carter and FJG has always been a pleasure. Ashton has provided sound legal advice on a range of topics across our business. This has included Contract & Data Privacy to refresh all our client contracts for GDPR legislation, Shareholder Agreement & Share Scheme creation when going through recent ownership changes and General Council work for day to day advice. It is nice to have a trusted person who understands our business and we are confident that Ashton will be able to assist us whatever the request either himself or as part of the wider firm.

CLIENT: Sarah Cadwalladar
COMPANY/FIRM: Parkside Flexibles (Europe & Asia) Ltd.
TESTIMONIAL: We have used Ashton Carter and his colleagues at FJG for many years now and continue to consider Ashton our first port of call for our contractual queries or otherwise expert contractual assistance. Ashton is extremely punctual and goes out of his way to ensure our questions are answered swiftly; the advice is always clear and easy to understand. Usefully, FJG are usually able to provide us with fixed fee quotations for their work. This is important for ensuring costs don’t run away with themselves, and to ensure our stakeholders are able to make informed decisions on the level of advice we require from FJG.

Tony Fisher Testimonials

CLIENT: Chris Napthine
COMPANY/FIRM: Sekura Global Ltd.
TESTIMONIAL: We have been working with FJG for at least 10 years, and their track record has been impeccable. We have made some substantial investments in Intellectual Property, and are constantly working with supplier and client contracts, at times way beyond our comfort zone. Tony Fisher has always provided very clear advice with a lot of commercial sense, giving us confidence in our formal dealings with clients and suppliers. FJG is also our number one ‘go to’ for legal issues that arise from time to time, no matter how small or large.

CLIENT: Brett Sainty
TESTIMONIAL: My experience of the services provided by Tony Fisher and the team at FJG has spanned across, personal, corporate and employment matters over a period of some considerable time. The service has been consistently outstanding, however, in my opinion it is the genuine care that is always show that makes FJG a truly great business. I would have no hesitation in recommending them for any matter that requires legal consideration.

CLIENT: Mark Willis
COMPANY/FIRM: WP Group
TESTIMONIAL: I have been provided services by Fisher Jones Greenwood for over 15 years in both a personal and business capacity. Throughout this time lawyers and support staff from the firm have all been professional, attentive and respectful. One of the most helpful aspects of their service is their speed of response which is always exemplary. Over the past fifteen years I have recommended FJG to numerous friends and colleagues as they are a first class, reliable organisation, and their skilled advocates provide a reassuring and professional service.

CLIENT: Chris Flack
COMPANY/FIRM: Watch House Wealth Management Limited
TESTIMONIAL: I found your firm to be very approachable and friendly and all of the individuals I had the pleasure to deal with to be very knowledgeable in their subject areas. You have helped me with not only Property issues, Wills and LPA’s but also with the sale of my limited company within the last twelve months and I found the whole process to be both smooth and very efficient and quite pain free. I have referred friends and clients to and indeed will continue to do so and I wish you and your firm and colleagues every success going forward.

CLIENT: Mark White
COMPANY/FIRM: 2020DM LLP
TESTIMONIAL: I have been using Fisher Jones Greenwood for many years, for both business and personal matters. They have been able to help me in a wide range of issues. It has been extremely useful to have such a reliable and competent local firm. I have recommended FJG to many of my colleagues, all of which have been happy with the service they have received.

ACCOUNTANT / REFERRER: Andrew Strickland
COMPANY/FIRM: Scrutton Bland
TESTIMONIAL: I’ve worked with Tony Fisher on a number of different commercial cases. The cases have covered a broad range including shareholder disputes, family company succession and merger and acquisition transactions. Tony has an impressive range of legal knowledge and experience; he has shown the ability to deal with legal matters in an efficient and timely manner. Of even greater importance and relevance, he brings to any matter an innate understanding of the complex motivations of the relevant parties. This enables him to deliver his services with a sureness of touch which can only be obtained from years of quality experience.