insideKENT Magazine Issue 35 - February 2015 | Page 154

LOCALBUSINESS

ONE OF KENT'S LEADING SOLICITORS

insideKENT talks to

Emma Lee, partner at

T G Baynes
How long has T G Baynes been in practice?
Thomas Godfrey Baynes established the firm in
Bexleyheath in 1895. The firm is very different
now in comparison to how it was then. It began
expanding in 1915, with the opening of offices
in Dartford and Orpington in 1952.
The firm subsequently incorporated other
practices including Messrs RLW Rons & Co,
Messrs A R Wills & Co, Messrs W H Fowke &
Co, Messrs Dowding & Dowding, and Messrs
Chancellor & Ridley. More recently, Gough Clinton
and Broom and Braund & Fedrick have been
incorporated, enabling us to continue to maintain
a presence in both Welling and Sidcup too.
In which client services does T G Baynes
specialise?
The firm is included in The Legal 500 and
recommended for its work in Commercial
Conveyancing, Family Law, PI, Clinical
Negligence, and Wills and Probate.
The firm also provides services in Civil and
Commercial Litigation including landlord and
tenant law, neighbour disputes, debt recovery,
cohabitee disputes, contractual matters and
cross border problems, employment law and
residential conveyancing.
What advice would you offer to an individual
who requires professional legal advice, and
is considering appointing a solicitor?
Make sure you are comfortable with the fee
earner you are dealing with. Trust and confidence
is the most important part of our relationship.
Get as much information about the costs as
possible. Even where a fixed fee has been quoted,
some firms will catch you out with extra charges
contained in the 'small print'.
Ask friends and family and check out websites.
Other people’s experience will often help you
decide which firm is right for you.

How does T G Baynes ensure its clients'
experience is as stress-free as possible?
Part of our philosophy is the recognition of the
need to listen to clients, talk over their concerns
and help them at every stage. We thrive on
building enduring client relationships based on
proven professional and practical skills. We are
flexible, reliable and pragmatic. This is evidenced
by our many repeat clients and the range of
payment arrangements we can provide.
The team at T G Baynes prides itself on excellent
communication, fast response times and
delivering the best service possible.
What qualities make T G Baynes stand out
from its immediate competitors?
The firm has attained the quality standard for
Investors in People and it has also been awarded
the quality mark necessary for public funding
work in the specialist area of family law. Our
solicitors have achieved membership of APIL
(Association of Personal Injury Lawyers); AVMA
(Action Against Medical Accidents); Resolution
(family matters); STEP (the Society of Trust and
Estate Practitioners); and The Law Society’s
Conveyancing Quality Scheme. We offer proven
expertise and value for money.

The firm is involved, through the efforts of Richard
Thomas, in the Bexleyheath Bid, which works to
improve the perception and image of the town,
transport, and ensuring it is clean, safe and
secure.
Our staff also attend free advice clinics for those
suffering domestic violence.
The firm is passionate about giving back to the
community it serves and its partnerships with
other charities, and local initiatives are integral
to achieving this aim.
What does T G Baynes have in store for 2015?
The firm continues to look for opportunities to
grow and develop and is hoping to expand again,
creating more local job opportunities.
We will maintain our commitment to the local
community with planned activity supporting local
schools and charities.
We also expect to be running a number of
promotions on our website during the year –
www.tgbaynes.com – as well as extending our
regular website/ Twitter updater service giving
news on new legislation and cases that affect
everyone.

Since June 2004, the firm has held Lexcel
accreditation, making it one of the few firms in
England and Wale ́Ѽ