Family-run practice, which specialises in civil litigation, is moving from the Royal Albert Dock to Liverpool’s commercial district in the next few weeks. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool law firm CEL Solicitors is relocating from the Royal Albert Dock to the city’ commercial district and could potentially treble its workforce.

The family-run practice, which specialises in civil litigation, currently employs around 30 people at the Atlantic Pavilion at the dock but will move into 8,000 sq ft of  accommodation in 20 Chapel Street in November.

Located on the 12th floor of the building the suite offers space for almost 90 staff with the firm ambitions to increase its presence in the Liverpool legal sector. CEL, which was only established in 2016, has enjoyed a five-fold increase in turnover in the last 12 months.

Director Jessica Hampson said: “This is an incredibly exciting time as we look to move into our new home and press on with our plans for expansion.

“At the heart of our ethos is putting people before profits – it underpins everything we do, from looking after our clients to ensuring our staff are happy at work, and our new office space completely reflects this.”

Its upcoming move signals a new chapter for the business as it looks to further expand its group litigation, data breach and property litigation offering to clients and continue to build on the growth of its property disrepair team.

The new office will also house a special ‘amphitheatre’ designed specifically for team presentations, group activities and social events, while break-out areas will feature table football, lounge space with bean bags and a ‘think swing’.

In 2018, Ms Hampson was joined by her husband Paul Hampson, previously managing director of Hampson Hughes, to head up the development of new practice areas within the civil litigation field.

She added: “Since our launch, we’ve truly gone from strength to strength, which is testament to the dedication and talent of our team.

“The sectors in which we work are constantly evolving and it is more important than ever before to attract – and retain – the best talent, so our culture, values and environment need to be on point if we are going to bring in the industry’s finest and, of course, the rising stars.”

As new tenants of 20 Chapel Street, CEL Solicitors will also have access to the building’s mix of amenities, including an on-site coffee shop, cycle storage, showers and bookable meeting rooms.

In June it was revealed that Birkenhead Christmas hampers-to-financial services business Park Group was to relocate its head office to 20 Chapel Street, which is owned by property investor Canmoor.

Ian Murray, director at Canmoor, added: “20 Chapel Street is an extremely sought-after location in the city centre, not only because of its enviable location, but its high quality office space that is home to tenants such as LFC, Barclays and Ernst Young, to name a few.

CBRE acted on behalf of CEL Solicitors and Worthington Owen acted for Canmoor.