Shropshire Woman

Legally Blonde!

A Shropshire-based businesswoman is changing the face of law in this country, and just months into the launch of her virtual law firm she is already making a real name for herself in the legal world.

Lawyer Zoe Street

Zoe Street is a commercial property and commercial contracts law specialist who cut her teeth on roles with big city law firms.

During her career the 35 year-old has acted for the likes of Prudential Property Investment Managers, Boots, Marks & Spencer, British Aerospace and Advantage West Midlands, to whom she was also seconded whilst working in the private sector.

Until the summer of 2008 she was following a traditional career path as part of a large legal practice, but the recession badly hit the property investment market and she found herself out of work.

In typical style though, Bridgnorth-based Zoe looked upon this as a golden opportunity to follow her dream and set up in business in her own right.

“I had a ‘Jerry Maguire’ moment when I realised that the huge back office part of a law firm wasn’t necessary,” she said. “I started to question the level of service that I could offer clients. Above all, I recognised that clients want somebody who is experienced in their chosen field, approachable and affordable.”

“It seemed clear to me: no excess staff and no flashy office frontage because it all adds to the overheads and means clients ultimately have to pay more. I was convinced that a virtual law firm would work really well and there was nothing of its kind in Shropshire,” she added. 

“I just knew I had to give the virtual concept a go. I started literally from scratch in mid-October 2009 and am proud to have built Street & Company Solicitors into a thriving business in just six months.”

The business is becoming so successful that Zoe is already looking to expand her team and plans to take on more qualified lawyers.

“There is real talent in the county and I’m keen to work with lawyers who like the idea of being really hands-on with clients, who have the confidence not to hide behind a showy office, and who feel as passionate as me about delivering legal advice to clients in the most cost-effective way possible,” she said.

“I had a ‘Jerry Maguire’ moment when I realised that the huge back office part of a law firm wasn’t necessary.”

And Zoe is certainly far removed from the stereotypical commercial lawyer. Donning a suit, designer handbag and stilettos, with perfect make-up and red lipstick always in place, she’s at the opposite end of the spectrum of what is usually regarded as a stuffy and old-fashioned profession.

“People assume all commercial lawyers are unapproachable and arrogant, and, while I’m certainly far from a pushover and always fight for my clients’ rights, I genuinely believe that you should treat people as you would expect to be treated,” she added.

“I’ve worked hard to gain the depth of experience I have and I would rather that my work speaks for itself.”

Zoe has clients all over the UK but is particularly proud of the strong base she is building in the county through her website www.streetsolicitors.co.uk

“The virtual law firm model means we’re not limited by geography in terms of our client base. I do like to meet clients face-to-face at their offices, but we can also work remotely so we can be very flexible,” she explained.

“I’m really pleased that Shropshire campanies have reacted so positively to the business and I take genuine satisfaction from being able to deliver commercial property and commercial contracts law advice without charging exorbitant fees.”

“Shropshire is my home county and because I’ve seen first-hand how the recession has hit some businesses, it’s a pleasure to be able to help all sorts of small enterprises through a difficult time.

“I’m definitely seeing signs of green shoots of recovery in the local commercial world and things do appear to be looking up for the county economy. There are certainly some exciting times ahead and I, for one, am looking forward to the coming months.