A Lichfield-based legal firm, which has remained in the hands of the same family for over a century, is celebrating a landmark anniversary this week.
Award-winning Adcocks Solicitors, which is still headed up by the grandson of the original founder, is marking its milestone 110 birthday.
Founded just before World War One broke out, Adcocks, in Lombard Street, can trace its roots all the way back to 1910 - and the original paperwork from its founding by Leonard Hedley Adcock still survives today.
Leonard was so dedicated to the firm that his obituary stated that he “collapsed and died at his desk”, the desk his grandson, Senior Director Mark Adcock, still works at as he continues at the helm of the business keeping his grandfather’s legacy alive.
Adcocks is headquartered in Lichfield, but Leonard originally bought the firm’s first office in West Bromwich 110 years ago.
In a wonderful obituary tribute, the Rev John B Hardy stated that Leonard, who died of a heart attack, was “greatly loved by all”, “was of outstanding help to all who were in need”, and “was one who put integrity and humaneness at the top of his list of priorities”.
He added: “I found him a great friend, and he helped me more than language is adequate to express. He was honest in life, and in his judgement of others was both kindly and helpful.
“This town has lost a great citizen, whose memory will live on.”
Mark works alongside his son, father-of-two Hedley Adcock and daughter Frances Di Pierri-Adcock, a mother-of-one, who are both directors and both live in Lichfield, as well as their respective partners.
All in all, at least 14 family members have worked in the firm during its long and enviable history, surviving through two world wars.
Its anniversary year has also seen it shortlisted as one of just four legal firms in the Midlands for the honourable accolade of Best Law Firm of the Year 2020 by Birmingham Law Society.
It’s a title that it has been nominated for in previous years, but this year’s announcement of the winner has had to be postponed, due to the coronavirus outbreak, until later this year.
Last year it was also “delighted” to win the Enfranchisement and Right to Manage Award for the best regional practice outside London.
Remaining true to its West Midland roots, Adcocks continues to serve businesses and clients across the region where it’s continued to invest in job creation by extending its branch base, including in Birmingham.
Father-of-two Mark said: “From the very start until the present day, Adcocks has been a family business.
"I’ve counted no less than 14 family members, both direct descendants of Leonard, or their family, who have worked in the practice.
“Curiously, in this, our 110th year, that’s also the current total of the ages of me, Hedley and his son Rex combined!”
As well as the partners and children of family members joining the business fold, Mark also estimates that at least 60 qualified solicitors have worked for Adcocks, which has employed around 750 people over the decades.
The 66 year-old, a former President of both Lichfield and South Staffordshire’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, amongst others similar organisations across the West Midlands, added: “I’m incredibly proud of what our family has built.
“And, to have been in business for 110 years is a rare accolade and something that we are very honoured and humbled by.
“Even though our clients span from across the region, to the UK and overseas, I’m proud to have remained true to our West Midland roots by continuing to both invest in the region in property and jobs.
“This is something we want to continue to do for many years, and hopefully for decades to come.”
It was in 1999 that Adcocks acquired the practice of David Edwards & Co of Lichfield, where it now holds its headquarters. It also still retains facilities in West Bromwich.
