PKF Francis Clark are pleased to partner with The Newcastle and North of England Law Society, an organisation that plays an important role in supporting the legal profession in the North East. As one of the UK’s leading accountancy firms, we have a long history of working with law firms across the country, helping them navigate financial and regulatory challenges while planning for sustainable growth.

About PKF Francis Clark’s legal sector team:

• PKF Francis Clark is a large independent chartered accountancy firm.
• The legal sector team was established over 25 years ago and work with over 150 law firms annually.
• We advise the full range of UK law firms from small boutique firms to top 50 law firms.
• There are 50 members of staff in our legal sector team who all work on a day-to-day basis with our law firms.
• We provide compliance services and wide-ranging high level strategic support to our clients.
• We are appointed to provide benchmarking services to NatWest and other UK legal groups.
• We have partners who are committee members of ICAEW Solicitors Special Interest Group and Law Society Leadership and Management Section.
• We are closely involved with the ILFM and provide professional material to them.
• Authors of the 2021 Law Society Solicitors Accounts Manual.

Key members of our Team

• Andrew Allen leads our specialist legal sector team. With nearly 30 years of experience advising law firms, Andrew has developed a national reputation for his practical and specialist advice to the legal sector.
• Sonia Fisher and Jason Mitchell are partners in the team again with significant experience in advising law firms on a very wide area of strategic matters.
• Janet Taylor is widely regarded as one of the pre-eminent advisors on the SRA Accounts Rules and in general in respect of client money assurance matters.
• Anne Gardner-Thorpe specialises in tax planning and compliance for businesses, balancing practical and commercial drivers with tax constraints.

Broad range of services provided:

• Compliance support that incudes statutory accounts preparation, audits, tax compliance, payroll outsourcing, management accounts, and financial projections.
• Regulatory compliance: Ensuring firms meet SRA requirements and maintain robust financial controls.
• Tax planning: Helping partners optimise their tax position and plan for the future.
• Succession and exit planning: Supporting firms with partner retirements, mergers, and acquisitions.
• Financial performance: Advising on strategies to improve profitability and manage working capital effectively.

The legal sector has changed significantly over the past 15 years and we have worked alongside firms to navigate these changes and seize new opportunities. Our sponsorship of the Law Society reflects that ongoing commitment to build connections, share insight and support the profession.

Our dedicated legal sector team understands the unique pressures faced by law firms today. From compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Accounts Rules to managing cash flow and profitability, the demands on partners and management teams have never been greater. We provide tailored advice and practical solutions designed to give firms clarity and confidence in their decision-making.

To learn more about how we can support you, visit pkf-francisclark.co.uk/sectors/legal.