Our Family Law Firm’s Story
Maria Fogg Family Law Ltd was established in 2012 by Maria Fogg. Maria was a solicitor for over 20 years and had a wealth of experience in family law. Maria was passionate about supporting the local community and had strong links with several domestic abuse agencies across Merseyside.
Domestic Violence & Child Protection Specialists
Maria set up the company with the help of her daughters to specialise in domestic violence and child protection. The Firm has played a vital role providing families with legal advice in the local community. We are only 1 of only 3 law firms in the whole Knowsley area with a legal aid contract that is specifically aimed at helping women, men and children obtain protection from domestic violence.
Our Ethos
As part of our ethos we work closely with domestic violence agencies and women’s refuges. We offer vulnerable adults legal services to empower them to obtain protection for themselves and their children.
Maintaining Maria’ Legacy
When Maria passed away suddenly in November 2018 aged 55 her daughters could not take over its ownership. This was due to restrictions from the Solicitors Regulations Authority (SRA).
The daughters were determined to maintain and continue their mother’s legacy. Maria Fogg Family Law has a real family ethos. We have an excellent reputation within the local area which the sisters wished to keep going.
Alternative Business Structure
Andrea and Charlotte were challenged with reconstructing the firm to an Alternative Business Structure (ABS). The ABS was a new and modern alternative to a traditional law firm structure. It allowed non-lawyers to own law firms.
This is normally used by big corporations with around only 100 approved applications each year. However, Andrea and Charlotte were determined to take on the challenge.
Resilience Through A Difficult Time
The sisters successfully petitioned for the ABS and obtained the approval from the SRA. This meant they were able to continue the work of their mother ensuring the survival of the business.
This was not an easy task for the sisters who were coming to terms with the sudden passing of their mum. They provided emotional support to the young children in the family and ensured the employees of the firm had job security. Andrea and Charlotte showed a resilience that was exceptional during both personal and professional turmoil.
Our Women’s Family Law Firm’s Growth
The firm has seen an increase in demand and this increase has been due to their good reputation. As well as maintaining good links with organisations who support our current and potential further clients. The sisters have transformed the business from a sole practitioner firm with 4 staff to an Alternative Business Structure employing 17 members of staff. They provide jobs for external contractors and charity work for the local community.
Modernising
Andrea and Charlotte have modernised the firm ensuring Maria’s ethos remains our focus. The sisters carefully select the team looking for compassionate, friendly, approachable and most of all experienced employees. This provides a relaxed and welcoming environment giving the opportunity for our clients to be open in a safe setting. This sets us apart from our traditional competitors.
Changes to Our Family Law Firm
Law Internships
In 2021 the firm introduced internships for law graduates and students. This helps to support the business demand for growth by training the next generation. As well as offer full time employment on completion of the internship adding to the continued growth of the firm.
Changing Premises
In 2021 the firm outgrew the original office and the sisters invested into buying a much larger shop front premises. This has allowed the business to continue to grow. The premises is in the heart of Huyton and provides better public access to a more diverse customer base.
Achievements and Awards
Specialist Quality Mark
Following an extensive audit review in 2022 we were awarded with the Specialist Quality Mark (SQM). The SQM recognises excellence in legal advice and client care in the legal sector. This is something Andrea and Charlotte are extremely proud of. It is only awarded to firms which show that they are well run and provide excellent client care.
National Award For legal Practice
In 2023 the firm won a national award that recognises legal practices that have demonstrated innovative solutions over the previous 12 months. This award shows the excellent client care and the attention to detail we provide to our client’s cases. We take huge pride in the care we take in preparing every case for Court to a high standard.
Charity Activities
Each year the firm completes charity activities. We donate to food banks, the Big Help Project, women’s refuges, Christmas Shoe Box appeal and gift presents to the women and children at our local women’s refuges at Christmas. We also donated our legal services to a charity auction and sponsor 2 children’s local football teams and 2 football academies.
The Future
With Andrea and Charlotte’s continued nurturing of the firm they ensured the business continuity. The firm remained in the control of the sisters and is an all-female owned firm. The firm remains financially independent and has seen an increase in turnover year by year which is reinvested into the business. The firm has grown significantly creating more jobs and employee retention being 100% for the previous 2 years.
Women In Law
Andrea and Charlotte’s creative ideas within the organisation sets us apart from the traditional law firms and is one of the many reasons the business is thriving. Although there has been an increase in female solicitors with women making up over 50% of solicitors in the UK.
Breaking the Mould
The national statistics collected by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in 2021 show women are underrepresented at partner level in all law firms and to a greater extent in the largest law firms with men representing the majority of senior roles in law firms in the UK. This all-female owned firm is breaking the mould in what is still a very male dominated industry with all the directors of the firm being female.