Jobs At Risk At Top Ulster Law Firm

Jobs could be in the firing line at one of the Province's top law firms, it has been reported.

Tughans, founded in 1896, is expected to shed almost a sixth of its staff covering a range of employees, including both solicitors and support staff.

The leading legal company - which was last year ranked in the top tier in a variety of practice areas - and only last month was recognised as 'Business Consultancy of the Year' during the annual UTV/Business Eye Awards, is thought to be targeting some 20 jobs.

The BBC is today reporting a spokesman for the company saying that it was "looking at a range of cost-saving measures" expected to include "the closure of its Lurgan office" as well as "restructuring" at its Londonderry premises.

In October, Ian Coulter, a Tughan's Partner, commenting on the Business Eye accolade said: "We continually strive to make a difference for our clients and not simply quote the law."

He said that Tughan's entry for 'Business Consultancy of the Year 2008' centred around the firm's quest for client service excellence through the development of "close client relationships and the adoption of sound business strategies".

In a statement after the awards, Mr Coulter noted: "We strive to understand our clients' business better so that we can provide sound commercial advice.

"This approach to business and the application of the law has led to Tughans growing to become Northern Ireland's largest commercial law firm."

However, in counterpoint, this week, a spokesman for the Law Society of Northern Ireland said he was already aware of a number of firms where staff had recently been "made redundant or had their working hours reduced".

"We are naturally concerned and have been actively engaged in a series of meetings with Assembly Ministers and MLAs in respect of addressing the economic and housing market situation."

(PR)(BMcC)