PROMOTION Behind the scenes at one of Devon's leading firms Law firm Stephens Scown LLP is one of Devon's success stories, consistently being named one of the best employers in the UK, as well as becoming the frst large law firm in the UK to become employee owned. The firm's Head of Devon, Hilary Pitts explains what is behind the fim's success RENOVATION POTENTIAL the line. It is great to see outlines within a red line on a plan become people's homes. I also love reading feedback from our clients. We are constantly looking to improve and it is rewarding that a lot of our new business is down to other clients recommending us My other highlight is being part of the success of the firm and being in an environment where people are happy to come to work. WHAT DOES THE FUTURE WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT HOLD FOR STEPHENS SCOWN? STEPHENS SCOWN? Iam a Partner in the Real Estate The future will see us continue to grow. As a lloard we also look at what is on the horizon and team. I help developers buy sites (in many cases for much needed housing) both locally and nationally. Many of my clients are housing associations and it is very rewarding knowing that they are providing homes for people who how we can make the most of any opportunities that may arise. We continue to look at ways in which we can reduce our carbon foosprint and be socially are ordinarily unable to afford to rent or buy on the open market am also Head of the Devon office and am involved in ensuring the smooth day to day running of the office and, as part of the Board. being involved in the strategic direction of the firm accountable. There is a lot happening economically both domestically ICE WOULD YOU WHAT and abroad, but we are in a good position, We have a stable, GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING A CAREER IN THE LAW? sustainable business, talented employees and great clients. Definitely go for it! I had a previous career in banking and am also a qualified Company Secretary. I did my Law degree in my spare time and loved it so much I decided WHICH OF THE FIRM'S ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? on the career change. Not only is the work rewarding. I have some wonderful clients and great people Iwork with. No two days are the same The firm has grown over the years into a £20m business. Not only is this a great achievement in itself but we have done this whilst retaining the firm's culture. This is borne out in our being listed as one of the Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For five years in a row We very much value our people and Stephens Scown is now employee awned, which means that our employees have a stake in the business WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING AND WORKING Hlary Pitts is Head of Devon IN EXETER? Exeter is an exciting city. I grew up in London and spent time working there and in Johannesburg and Saudi Arabia but it is wonderful to be able to call the South West for Stephens Scown. She sits on the fim's Board and is also a partner in the real estate team. home now. We have hills, amazing beaches, exciting businesses (many of which we act for), and unrivalled countryside and WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT AT WORK? Contact Hilary: 01392 210700 solicitors@stephens-scown.co.uk www.stephens-scown.co.uk This is a hard one there are so coastline. What more could many! One is of course supporting clients and getting deals over you want? PROMOTION Behind the scenes at one of Devon's leading firms Law firm Stephens Scown LLP is one of Devon's success stories, consistently being named one of the best employers in the UK, as well as becoming the frst large law firm in the UK to become employee owned. The firm's Head of Devon, Hilary Pitts explains what is behind the fim's success RENOVATION POTENTIAL the line. It is great to see outlines within a red line on a plan become people's homes. I also love reading feedback from our clients. We are constantly looking to improve and it is rewarding that a lot of our new business is down to other clients recommending us My other highlight is being part of the success of the firm and being in an environment where people are happy to come to work. WHAT DOES THE FUTURE WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT HOLD FOR STEPHENS SCOWN? STEPHENS SCOWN? Iam a Partner in the Real Estate The future will see us continue to grow. As a lloard we also look at what is on the horizon and team. I help developers buy sites (in many cases for much needed housing) both locally and nationally. Many of my clients are housing associations and it is very rewarding knowing that they are providing homes for people who how we can make the most of any opportunities that may arise. We continue to look at ways in which we can reduce our carbon foosprint and be socially are ordinarily unable to afford to rent or buy on the open market am also Head of the Devon office and am involved in ensuring the smooth day to day running of the office and, as part of the Board. being involved in the strategic direction of the firm accountable. There is a lot happening economically both domestically ICE WOULD YOU WHAT and abroad, but we are in a good position, We have a stable, GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING A CAREER IN THE LAW? sustainable business, talented employees and great clients. Definitely go for it! I had a previous career in banking and am also a qualified Company Secretary. I did my Law degree in my spare time and loved it so much I decided WHICH OF THE FIRM'S ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? on the career change. Not only is the work rewarding. I have some wonderful clients and great people Iwork with. No two days are the same The firm has grown over the years into a £20m business. Not only is this a great achievement in itself but we have done this whilst retaining the firm's culture. This is borne out in our being listed as one of the Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For five years in a row We very much value our people and Stephens Scown is now employee awned, which means that our employees have a stake in the business WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING AND WORKING Hlary Pitts is Head of Devon IN EXETER? Exeter is an exciting city. I grew up in London and spent time working there and in Johannesburg and Saudi Arabia but it is wonderful to be able to call the South West for Stephens Scown. She sits on the fim's Board and is also a partner in the real estate team. home now. We have hills, amazing beaches, exciting businesses (many of which we act for), and unrivalled countryside and WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT AT WORK? Contact Hilary: 01392 210700 solicitors@stephens-scown.co.uk www.stephens-scown.co.uk This is a hard one there are so coastline. What more could many! One is of course supporting clients and getting deals over you want?