Ex-BLG partner launches wannabe ABS

A former Barlow Lyde & Gilbert partner has set up his own practice with support from a financial services player, paving the way for it to become one of the first alternative business structures (ABS).

Anthony Rose, head of corporate at BLG between 1992 and 1996 and who subsequently worked at both Charles Russell and Vizards Tweedie, has established Hampden Law to focus on non-contentious company and commercial work.

Rose’s client base is focused on financial institutions and insurance brokers. In the past he has worked for insurance services provider Hampden Group.

Rose said the similar name was not a coincidence. His new firm receives secretarial, IT and accounting services at a competitive rate from Hampden Chambers, owned by Hampden Group.

“It may be that when and if ABSs become permissible, that Hampden Law could become part of Hampden Group,” commented Rose. “Were we to get [to a situation] where non-lawyers can own firms, then that could work for us both.”

The Government’s position on ABSs remains unclear, with the possibility that it could be scrapped entirely.

Hampden Law, which is located in EC3, currently has one partner and one associate. It aims to cover both intellectual property and transactional work.