LegalTech

A digital law firm founded by the former boss of DWF has continued its expansion drive with London-based Mayfair Rise Solicitors joining its ranks.

Manchester-headquartered arch.law was launched by former DWF CEO Andrew Leaitherland in 2021 to deliver technology-led legal solutions to a wide range of businesses in the UK and Australia.

Led by well-respected litigator, Sally Marsden, who started her career in Manchester becoming a partner with Pannone LLP, Mayfair Rise is the latest firm to join arch.law as 2023 sees it increase its footprint and international capabilities to meet client needs.

The five-strong Mayfair Rise team, which focuses on entrepreneurs and SMEs, family offices and high net worth individuals,  will enable Marsden to further build and scale up the Mayfair Rise business in the UK and abroad whilst enhancing arch.law’s capability to support its UK and international clients.

She has previously led two legal start-ups together with being an in-house legal counsel and partner with two law firms. She has worked in London, Hong Kong and Manchester.

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She said: “I’ve watched the arch.law model with interest over the past year. It attracted us as it’s an excellent platform to further support our clients and will provide access to a wider range of services at cost effective rates.

“Building the Mayfair Rise business is a key goal for us and one that we will certainly achieve within the arch.law model as we leave behind the distractions of running a regulated law firm.

“A key differentiator for us, and in the market, is arch.law’s unique selling point (USP). It is geared to enable smaller firms, teams or individuals to join with a smooth transition, but also importantly whilst delivering a seamless and enhanced service to clients.”

Solicitor Robyn Barron and trainee solicitor Rebekah Leech are part of the Mayfair Rise team  based in London at Devonshire House, Mayfair Place. Devonshire House will now provide a collaboration hub for arch.law in the city.

Founded in 2021, arch.law now has over 70 members.

CEO Andrew Leaitherland said: “We’re delighted to welcome Sally and the Mayfair Rise team. Their wealth of experience will add further depth to the expertise within arch.law, particularly in London. As our rapid growth shows, the arch.law business model provides an attractive proposition and we’re looking forward to the continued success of Mayfair as they build their business within our business.

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“As Sally has identified, arch.law provides a clear pathway for firms and teams to expand and build their capability but importantly we can also provide a succession route for lawyers looking to transition their business.

“Individual lawyers also benefit from the arch.law model in achieving their  potential – all our members can get on with the business of law and servicing clients without the day to day distractions of managing a firm.”

As CEO of DWF Group, Leaitherland grew the business from 450 people to over 4,300 people across 33 offices world-wide.