Anthony Collins

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers verdict on Anthony Collins

Trainees at Anthony Collins Solicitors (ACS) were united in their reasons for choosing the firm: “social purpose,” “great culture,” and a “genuine chance to work alongside people who really want to make a difference.” The firm’s values “aren’t just for show” — trainees repeatedly commented on how ACS’s mission to “improve lives, communities and society” is reflected across teams, practice areas and day-to-day work. One said simply, “when you work at the firm you can see that this is real and evident in all the work that you do.” The training is “stand-out in comparison to other firms” according to one insider, who praised the balance between “high-quality work” and “feeling supported at every step.” Others agreed, citing “early responsibility,” “client contact,” and “advocacy opportunities” as key strengths. Trainees feel empowered to take initiative and are “treated as part of the team from day one.” The firm’s “open-minded” approach to flexible working and strong focus on “healthy work-life balance” were also standout themes, with one trainee stating, “if I am still working at 6pm, I am told to go home!” The working environment is described as “non-hierarchical” and “friendly and approachable; from day-to-day colleagues to senior partners, “everyone treats each other equally,” and trainees appreciated being able to “sit next to a partner one day and a secretary the next.” One shared how they were “encouraged and empowered to take initiative,” while another cited “leading on a Court of Protection case” as a personal highlight. From “site visits” to “drafting documents that were approved first time”, the training contract offers moments of real impact and growth. That said, a few areas were flagged for improvement. Several trainees commented on the policy requiring “first-year trainees to be in the office four days a week”, with some feeling this was “disjointed” from the more flexible arrangements offered to others. Remuneration was also a common theme: while trainees understand that “the pay is a little lower than our competitors” due to the nature of the firm’s work, others noted that “NQ salaries are lower than other firms” and would welcome greater transparency. A handful also raised concerns around “seat allocation” and “NQ retention anxiety”, though this appears to be improving year on year. Trainees spoke positively about hybrid working overall, calling it “great”, “open-minded” and “flexible when necessary.” CSR and pro bono are clearly embedded in the firm’s culture, with “lots going on all the time” and “multiple Social Purpose Volunteering days” available. Trainees are even “given a charity each year to fundraise for,” taking full responsibility for organising initiatives and events. For aspiring lawyers drawn to values-driven work and a genuinely supportive environment, ACS offers a fulfilling and empowering training experience — one that’s as focused on people as it is on purpose.

About the firm

Introductory paragraph about the firm: Anthony Collins (AC) is a national sector specialist law firm with a clear purpose to improve lives, communities and society. We received B Corp accreditation in late 2022, only the fourth law firm in the UK and the first in the West Midlands. 

The firm has 330+ staff including 44 partners, physical premises in Birmingham, Manchester, Macclesfield, and Wolverhampton, and is a national leading advisor to the social housing, social care and charities sectors (among others), supporting clients with work in business and charity law, governance, property, housing management, employment, and dispute resolution, as well as individuals requiring personal planning, those affected by critical events and the organisations that support them. Our expertise is centred on a deep understanding of our clients’ needs, as well as developing and maintaining strong relationships. 

We attract a diverse range of highly skilled and dedicated people whose passion for their work keeps us at the forefront of the crucial sectors we serve. With many of our partners qualifying and starting their legal careers with us, we put people first in an environment that is both supportive and close-knit, and which offers the challenges and exposure you would expect from a large, expanding and market leading firm. 

Social impact report 2024 – Anthony Collins Solicitors 

Senior partner: Matthew Wort 

Other offices:  Manchester, Macclesfield, and Wolverhampton

Who we are: Anthony Collins (AC) is a thriving national sector specialist law firm with a national reputation for advising individuals, charities and other not-for-profit organisations, local authorities, public sector bodies and businesses throughout the UK. For just over 50 years, we’ve been successfully combining market-leading legal expertise, with a commitment to excellence and long-term relationships underpinned by a strong set of values. 

What we do: Our practice areas span seven different sectors that reflect our passion and expertise while focusing on client needs: charities; education; health and social care; housing; local government; private legal services; and social business. Social impact report 2024 – Anthony Collins Solicitors 

What we’re looking for in a trainee: A successful trainee will combine a strong academic record with innovative thinking, a compassionate and caring approach, and an appreciation of client needs and concerns. We’re looking for people who can build excellent relationships with colleagues and clients alike, and who share our passion and enthusiasm for making a difference to society.  

 

We’re looking for people who: 

• Share our passion and enthusiasm for making a difference to society and who build strong, positive relationships with colleagues and clients alike. 
• Love the work that they do, bringing enthusiasm, energy and a genuine commitment to the values that define AC. 
• Think creatively and act boldly, helping us evolve through innovation and creative thinking. 
• Are curious and independent thinkers who are eager to explore, question and learn. 
• Bring emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal intelligence, knowing how to collaborate and contribute with impact. 
• Thrive in team environments, contributing proactively and positively to shared goals. 
• Inspire and influence others. 
• Take ownership of their performance, demonstrating drive, determination and accountability. 
• Demonstrate resilience, perseverance and positivity when meeting new challenges.  

What you’ll do: AC is made up of a variety of departments, allowing you to work on commercial and private client work aimed at transforming our society and the lives of individuals, alongside a range of fee-earners with different skills and talents. During your training, we’ll expose you to as many work areas as possible, helping you to discover which area of law best suits you. You will discover that you can use the law to make a real difference in society. 

During your training contract, we’ll introduce you to a variety of clients and professionals. Responsibility for your clients and matters will naturally increase as you gain the relevant skills, knowledge, experience and confidence. 

Training contracts are made up of four seats, each lasting six months. We will consider your experience, skills and preferences when allocating seats, together with business need and completion of SRA regulations. 

As a trainee, you’ll be encouraged to get involved in a range of activities from client events and training seminars, to regularly attending trainee forums. It’s all about making the most of the opportunities available here. 

 

Perks:  

Core Benefits 

• Contribution to staff pension from day one 
• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays and gift days at Christmas 
• Life assurance 
• Private medical insurance 
• Dental cover  
• Critical illness cover  
• Employee Assistance Programme  
• Free onsite gym and access to free yoga & wellbeing classes 
• Access to dozens of free online courses through Future Learn 

Flexible Benefits  

• Purchase up to 5 days additional annual leave  
• Life assurance for your spouse or partner 
• Voluntary critical illness cover  
• Discounted gym membership with a range of providers 
• Health cash plan 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Season ticket loans  
• Gourmet Society club membership 
• Kids Pass for discounts at family locations  
• Opportunity to plant trees and reduce your carbon emissions with Furthr