Taylor Wessing loses YHA to Browne Jacobson after thirty years

Taylor Wessing has lost the Youth Hostels Association (YHA), a client of 30 years’ standing, to Browne Jacobson.

Midlands-based Browne Jacobson pitched against a number of rivals, including Eversheds, Nabarro Nathanson and Freeth Cartwright, to secure a five-year mandate to act as the YHA’s sole legal adviser. It is understood that Taylor Wessing was asked to retender for the work.

The YHA’s decision to change its law firm is a blow for Taylor Wessing, spelling the end of a relationship spanning three decades. Browne Jacobson will provide the YHA with advice on all areas of the law, including charities and property-related matters.

Commenting on the change, YHA chief executive Roger Clarke said: “We’d like to thank Taylor Wessing for all their help and support over the last 30 years.

“Our decision to review our legal partner was a reflection of changes within the YHA to reposition our business both externally and internally.”

Browne Jacobson managing partner Brian Smith, who led the tender process, said: “[Clarke] liked our approach, our can-do attitude and our genuine interest in [the YHA].”