Our history

On seeing our name, many people assume it’s a gimmick – and it’s been a regular topic of correspondence in several well-known national newspapers. But despite the gentle ribbing we’re proud of it and the firm’s long history. Based in Leamington Spa since our foundation in 1846, Wright Hassall’s roots in the local economy are deep and our reputation solid.

Our name originated in 1875 (although our roots date back to 1846) when Edward Wright took James Wright Hassall into partnership - forming Wright and Hassall. Over the years, it has been shortened to Wright Hassall.  

Leamington Spa grew considerably at the start of the 19th century. Standing on the town's sixth saline well, the Royal Pump Rooms, designed and built by CS Smith, first opened to the public in July 1814. The building was extended soon after opening to cope with demand and was not fully complete until 1816. New Town was developed as Leamington began to expand north from the river in response to the demand created by visitors to the Spa.

Richard Arthur Wallington, 1846

In 1846 the sole practice of Richard Arthur Wallington was founded in Wellington Street (now Regent Street). Taking advantage of the new opportunities that had arisen from Leamington's growth, he went into partnership with Mr Edward Wright in 1855 forming Wallington & Wright.

Wright & Hassall, 1875

After the death of Richard Wallington, Edward Wright took James Wright Hassall (no relation) into partnership which was then renamed Wright and Hassall in 1875. 

During the latter half of the 19th century, Leamington prospered and the town saw a number of developments including the opening of the Warwick & Leamington Tramway (which remained open until 1930), the opening of the Town Hall in 1884 and public swimming baths added to The Royal Pump Rooms. 

Into the 20th Century 

Historically the firm has benefited from its position in the midst of prime agricultural land. In the 1950s, the firm formed a syndicate with a local agent, John Staite, to buy most of the land being sold by the Earl of Warwick with the purpose of selling farms & properties to their tenants. Our connections with the land remain as strong as ever.

In 1968, the firm was based in Dormer Place in a Regency building opposite the Pump Room Gardens. The firm had three partners, two assistant solicitors and about six other fee earners with additional support staff numbering about 20 in all.   

Embracing the technological age, 1977

In 1970, the firm moved to 9 Clarendon Place and, still not quite large enough to occupy the whole building, let out the top two floors to other businesses. There were, of course, no word processors or computers, and only the partners’ secretaries had electric typewriters. It was not until about 1977 that the firm bought its first word processor which, apparently, was the size of an upright piano!

Lexcel and IIP accreditation, 2003

In 2003, we were awarded the double accolade of both Lexcel and IIP, an achievement in which only a handful of firms have succeeded.  

Move to Olympus House, 2007

From Clarendon Place, the firm moved to a landmark modern building on the outskirts of Leamington Spa, approximately two miles from Junction 13 of the M40.

Recognised in The British Legal Awards, 2012

Wright Hassall was shortlisted as Regional Law Firm of the Year in The British Legal Awards 2012, the first time we had ever entered these awards.  The judges were looking for excellence across the shortlisted firms – high levels of innovation, strong financial performance, excellent client care and a commitment to employees and the local community. To be the only shortlisted firm in Warwickshire in a year when submissions increased by 10 per cent was a fantastic achievement.

2015

Quantum Debt Recovery becomes QDR Solicitors Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of Wright Hassall LLP) as part of a change in relation to FCA regulation.

2017

Named as the nation’s leading regional law firm at the legal industry’s prestigious national awards ceremony, the Lawyer Awards.

2020

We brought forward several technological innovations as a result of the pandemic. This included the introduction of the technology platform, ‘Credas’, which enables us to verify our clients remotely and securely using cutting-edge facial recognition technology via a smartphone. Other measures implemented, and now adopted permanently, include virtual meetings via platforms which support instant messaging, voice and video content, document sharing and collaborative drafting.

2021

Our 175 year anniversary gave us a chance to celebrate the things we value - community, charity, and excellence to name but a few. During the year we highlighted the invaluable work undertaken by the charities we support whilst raising money for them through our Charitable Trust.

2024

2024 has been something of a landmark for the firm. First, we reported that we had achieved a negative gender pay gap, a major achievement and probably a first in the legal sector. Second, we were awarded Planet Mark certification in recognition of our commitment to, and our progress in, reducing our carbon emissions. Finally, we celebrated 20 years of being the headline sponsor for the 10k Wright Hassall Regency Run, an event that has established itself as a firm favourite in the running calendar. Since its inauguration, the Run has raised just shy of £450k for local charities and good causes.

Looking to the future

In the intervening years since the firm’s foundation, the legal profession has altered beyond recognition. However, Wright Hassall has proved it can evolve and adapt to meet the challenges of the rapidly changing legal services market. We now have around 40 partners and 230 staff and we continue to promote and support our locality in everything we do, believing that the success of our own business and that of the region are inextricably linked.