Talbot Walker LLP – Our story, from the beginning...

The firm's roots can be traced back to 1726 and to a sole partner by the name of Richard Willis. Between 1763 and 1894 the number of partners increased and in 1894 with the addition of Pemberton Ernest John Talbot the firm became Footner, Son and Talbot. With the death of Footner in the same year PEJ Talbot inherited a thriving firm, the accounts for that year showing a tidy profit of £803.The name Talbot survives at the firm today which continues to trade from the same premises.

In 1932 Goronwy Davies took over the practice. In those days solicitors not only undertook legal work but were also responsible for some civil matters. In the 1930s the firm was responsible for the Andover Charity Trustees and was also the Burial Authority and the Clerk to the Borough Magistrates. In addition the firm acted as the main agent for Sun Insurance for over 250 years and other insurance companies including General Accident and Phoenix.

The firm through out the years has also played an important part in the Courts Leet and Baron of Stockbridge, Hampshire. The courts leet was a historical court of England and Wales and Ireland. It was a court of record and its duty was not only to view the pledges (the freemen's oath of peacekeeping and good practice in trade) but also to try by jury, and punish, all crimes committed within the jurisdiction. It also developed as a means of proactively ensuring that standards in such matters as food and drink and agriculture, were adhered to. The Administration of Justice Act 1977 saw a substantial decrease in the jurisdiction of the courts leet but it continues to day in particular with regard to the administration and settlement of disputes over the open field system of farming. The firm first became involved with Goronwy Davies and continues to day through various people to hold the position of The Steward to the Lord of the Manor.

The firm has always been "forward thinking" and under the stewardship of Goronwy Davies worked alongside such companies as Mackrell and Co., London agents, thereby ensuring a comprehensive and complete service for clients. Following a bombing raid during the Second World War, Mackrell and Co. was forced to relocate their papers to the premises of Talbot and Davies for safe keeping although it was subsequently found that they had been damaged beyond repair.

The next change was brought about by the joining of David Copner in 1950 when the firm became Talbot, Davies and Copner.

The hardships of the Second World War had much influence on the development of the business. The firm became more self reliant and parted company with Mackrell and Co. New industry came to town and with it an increase in population and housing; some of the first council houses being built in Andover. Post War London was expanding rapidly and Andover became an overspill town with plans for the provision of some 9000 new homes.

Responding to the social change of the town the firm adapted and developed expertise in specialist areas of the law but also strove to retain its character and its solid and loyal client base, more fondly known as Andoverians.

The next significant change came in 1991 when the firm became Talbot Walker Solicitors.

The firm continued to serve the local community by providing a family orientated service and often dealt – and still does - with successive generations of each family as the years passed. The firm achieved this by retaining its best staff (often into retirement) and keeping their unrivalled local knowledge intact. Always with an eye on the future the firm kept on developing its expertise in areas including Corporate law, Commercial and Residential property.

Simon Walker joined the firm in 1983 and brought about the firm's move into the age of Information Technology. A more modern approach certainly but implemented with an appreciation of the traditional values upon which the firm had been so soundly built and one that ensures the firm's position at the leading edge of legal services provision.

In response to reforms to the Legal Aid system, regulatory changes and the demand for the best legal advice Simon has continued to modernise the firm and expand its areas of specialist knowledge whilst retaining the quality of its service.

In April 2005 the Partners of Talbot Walker took the decision to convert their professional practice into a Limited Liability Partnership enabling the firm to move into a more corporate environment and better meet the requirements and needs of its clients.

The firm continues to win business in a highly competitive market where some government services such as public funding have been eroded. The firm has a strong criminal practice and has retained its franchise with the Legal Services Commission to continue to provide a best quality service in criminal cases. Where public funding has been withdrawn altogether the firm has embraced other funding options to allow clients to contemplate litigating for their rights in areas such as clinical negligence claims against the NHS.

The legal world has come a long way since 1726 and the change in the firm's status reflects a continuing commitment to developing the range and quality of services available to our clients.