Co-op Legal Services celebrates 10-year anniversary

Co-operative Legal Services (CLS) has marked its 10th anniversary with a celebratory event at its offices in Aztec West, Bristol. Initially launched in 2006, CLS remains part of the...

Co-operative Legal Services (CLS) has marked its 10th anniversary with a celebratory event at its offices in Aztec West, Bristol. Initially launched in 2006, CLS remains part of the Co-op’s family of businesses, providing a range of legal services such as will writing, probate and conveyancing.

CLS reported a £700,000 profit in 2015, up from a £5m loss in 2014. Since its launch, the business has introduced other areas such as family and employment law. Earlier this year, CLS acquired Collective Legal Solutions in a bid to expand into face-to-face legal advice and support in communities across the UK. Around 300 staff attended the 10th anniversary celebration, which featured a presentation by managing director Matt Howells.

“This is a fantastic milestone for Legal Services and comes at a key moment for the Co-op,” said Mr Howells. “The business’ broader rebuild and membership plans provide a great platform for us to further develop our services for the future. As we continue to support the rebuild of Co-op, we remain focused on making quality legal services both accessible and transparent, whether that be over the phone, online, or face-to-face.”

CLS offices in Bristol have also undergone rebranding as part of the Group’s strategy to return to its cloverleaf logo, being one of the Group’s first sites to adopt the new look. The business provides services for both members and the general public. According to the Co-operative Group’s annual report, CLS enjoys an 88% customer satisfaction rate.

Paul Burgess, legal administrator for Co-op Legal Services, added: “I started with the Co-op in August 2006. I’ve never felt the need to move on because I’m surrounded by a great bunch of colleagues and the work has always remained challenging and interesting. I’m particularly proud of the work the Co-op is doing to connect local communities. It was such a good feeling to be able to celebrate this anniversary, and the day was full of high spirits and great hopes for the future.”

In this article


Join the Conversation