VWV Scoops 'Team of the Year' at Bristol Law Society Annual Awards

The annual awards recognise the best of the local legal profession.

VWV Approach is a free law firm network which VWV has been operating since 2008. Managed by Partner Jo Campbell, the team work with over 170 law firms in the network, more than 90 of which are in and around Bristol.

Achieved in several ways, the team's ethos is clear: to help support smaller law firms and their clients.

When member firms can't help clients themselves, they can refer them to VWV safe in the knowledge VWV won't poach that client, and with a share of VWV's fees if they choose. All of which is completely transparent to the client and gives a seamless service.

Jo commented on VWV Approach:

"We're a listening ear at the end of the phone and share our resources and ideas with smaller firms. Between March and June 2020, we sent 12 newsletters providing information and best practice at a time of rapid change, leading one firm to say that VWV had shown great leadership and clarity to the network during the lockdown. We also provide free webinars and an HR consultancy service to our members."

In addition to VWV Approach, Jo also manages VWV's New Enquiries Team (NET).

The team was launched in December 2019 as the firm knew it was receiving increasing numbers of enquiries as VWV and the online presence grew. Lawyers were often spending significant time on enquiries that were unlikely to progress and launching NET gave the firm the chance to provide first-class, swift and effective assistance to clients, whilst saving lawyer time.

Simon Heald, VWV Managing Partner, commented:

"These two teams are key to not only our member network, but our clients, and internal clients, ie the lawyers too. They come as a combined team, as if we can't help a client ourselves, the NET and VWV Approach team aim to provide an alternative solution.

I'm very proud of their achievements and this award and know that the team will continue to go from strength to strength."

The awards, which celebrated Bristol Law Society's 250th Anniversary, were held at the Bristol City Marriott Hotel and saw many professionals from within and around the legal community present.

The VWV Approach team was a winner of the 'Team of the Year' award in 2018.