Here at Devonshires, we continue to follow Government advice and operate remotely during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Our teams in London, Leeds, and Colchester are working hard to deliver our usual high levels of service.

Our staff remain well, we’ve had very few incidences of illness reported over the past six weeks.

Like many businesses, we’ve had to look at our operations. Fortunately, we do so from a position of strength. But the reality is that with our offices closed, some roles are not required and will not be until we return to normal. As a result, some of our people have been furloughed.

Being committed to each other is a long-standing value of the firm and respect for our people is a key part of that; we look after each other. Our furloughed colleagues are all on full pay and we look forward to welcoming them back when our offices can reopen.

Many of our clients have turned to us for even greater support than usual and we’ve started to deliver pro bono workshops for some charities.

For our chosen charities, who need us more now than ever before, we are fundraising via the Legal Community Virtual Fitness Challenge. Our charities are:

• Skyway: helping young people in inner-London to achieve their personal goals, realise their potential, and contribute positively to their community.
• The Spitz Charitable Trust: a collective of London-based jazz musicians who use music to connect with isolated people.
• St George’s Crypt: a Leeds-based charity helping the homeless, vulnerable, and those suffering with addiction.
• Friends of the Elderly: assisting those aged 65 and over who suffer from loneliness and/or are at risk of isolation.

Rest assured, we remain committed to the wellbeing of our staff, maintaining our community, and navigating our clients through these challenging times.

While we may not be in our usual offices, we remain very much open for business.

Philip Barden, Senior Partner, Devonshires