THE HISTORY OF DAC BEACHCROFT

Posted on01 March 2012

The year 2012 is not just the year of the London Olympic Games and doom-saying Mayan prophecies, it also marks the 250th anniversary of a law firm with a strong Bristol presence which can trace its roots directly back to the year 1762.

Facing severe issues arising from civic disorder and the problem of meeting demand for improved healthcare and education – in 1553, not 2012 - the English King at the time, Edward VI, was prevailed upon (by the Barons who worried at the threat this posed to their wealth) to create three hospitals. Bridewell Hospital was set up for the care of the "lazy and vagabond" whilst St Thomas' Hospital was established for the care of the sick. Finally, Christ's Hospital was founded to promote the education of young boys and girls in equal number.

The Bluecoat School at Christ's Hospital was funded by the donation of money and substantial pieces of land. As ever, lawyers were appointed to look after land, and the Clerk to Christ's Hospital, Joseph Eyre, who was appointed in 1760, became a lawyer in 1762. Some 250 years later, DAC Beachcroft, the successor practice to that founded by Joseph Eyre, continues to act for both Christ's Hospital and St Thomas' Hospital.

For those interested in such things, Joseph Eyre's practice survived by itself until the mid-nineteenth century when it merged with London firm Maberlys & Beachcroft (est. 1828). The successor to that practice, Beachcrofts, then merged, in 1988, with the successor firm of Wasbrough and Stanley (est. 1830) to form Beachcroft Stanleys. Just two years after Beachcroft Stanleys was formed, the mergers of Wansbroughs in Bristol (est. 1882) and Willey Hargrave in Leeds (est. 1890) (who shared a joint-venture office in Birmingham) created Wansbroughs Willey Hargrave. A merger with Vaudreys in Manchester (est. 1879) followed in 1998 before, in 1999, they merged with Beachcroft Stanleys to create Beachcroft Wansbroughs. A re-brand to Beachcroft LLP followed in 2006, after which the firm acquired both Kings Legal and WHCG before, finally, merging with Davies Arnold Cooper to form DAC Beachcroft LLP in 2011.

Tony Cherry, Regional Senior Partner for the Bristol office, told Legal Life: "Though the first foundations of DAC Beachcroft were not in Bristol, the city has been woven through our history since 1830. Our most distinguished partner of recent years, Lord Hunt of Wirral, started his career here with Stanley Wasbrough in the nineteen sixties and Bristol remains perhaps the most popular of all our locations for people to live and work.".

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
Three things to say about my experience of working with Bristol Law Society. Their central team, council members and general hangers-on are just about the nicest, most generous group of people working in the legal sector today. The numerous events, awards, socials and conferences I’ve had the pleasure to attend over the years have been, without exception, top quality and supremely organised. And, thirdly, they consistently exceed and challenge the boundaries of what lawyers might assume a regional Law Society will restrict activities to – from a hugely successful charitable school meals drive to corporate social responsibility and diversity campaigns to being joint architects and coordinators of the region’s unique Bristol+BathLegalTech group, which it has been my privilege to co-chair for the last five years.
Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
Joining BLS in 2013 and becoming President in 2018/19 has created many longstanding friendships and business relationships, whilst also unlocking doors to other opportunities in the City. BLS enabled a perfect balance of professional development and also opportunities to give back to the legal and wider community. I am pleased that my Firm has supported BLS in many capacities since 2013 and continues to do so.
Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS