Legal partner talks COVID-19 and community on radio station

A partner at a leading Warrington law firm has appeared on a local radio station to talk about the impact the coronavirus is having on the legal world.

Danny Hudson, a partner at Watsons Solicitors also discussed on Radio Warrington’s Business Bites programme the importance of the firm’s community work.

Adaptations have been made with many hearings and proceedings taking place via video call during the pandemic, with the Watsons team set up to work from home. Danny, who specialises in family law, explains why he welcomes the changes.

Speaking on the radio, Danny said: “We invested in technology so that our team of 30 staff could work remotely during lockdown. Our employment department is very busy, and we’ve noticed an increase in people wanting to write wills. Conveyancing is also picking up again as interest in buying and selling homes rises.

“Despite regularly handling 400-page documents that we would normally photocopy and distribute, we’ve been able to create bundles for barristers and judges in PDF format and keep in touch via Microsoft Teams. COVID-19 has forced change on the legal world but it needed to happen: we have to keep up with the times.

“Most hearings are still going ahead but there have been some challenges for example with cases too sensitive for video call, especially those involving children. We need to find a way of getting people back into a room to resolve issues. It’s also harder to get both parties to agree to terms in a divorce when there isn’t the pressure of a judge making eye contact with them.

“We’re a tight team and everyone has remained organised and worked hard. We’ve demonstrated working from home can be done and I believe it’s a step in the right direction for law firms.”

Danny, who aptly chose I Fought the Law by The Clash as his song request, also discussed the work Watsons does within the Warrington community.

He said: “As a Warrington firm we have an obligation to give something back and we’re lucky we have a platform that allows us to try and help those who aren’t as lucky. Recently, we have provided P.E. kits for Bewsey Lodge Primary School and sponsored the Warrington Wolves Learning Disability team, which follows on from our partnership with the Warrington Wolves foundation.

“We have a big focus on sport as it encompasses teamwork, discipline and promotes mental wellbeing.

“In addition, I’m actively involved with the Warrington Business Awards and unfortunately we took the difficult decision to postpone this year’s ceremony. It’s a shame as we sell four to five hundred tickets for each event, but we will be back in 2021.

“I think there will be a real appetite next year for people to come together and celebrate businesses.”

Danny added: “I loved being invited on to Radio Warrington Business Bites to discuss what we do on Palmyra Square and beyond. We are always happy to work with the local media who help position us as a firm of experts who can help people across the region.”

Watsons Solicitors, which has been established for more than 60 years, specialises in family law, employment law, wills and probate, personal injury, and conveyancing.

The team of experienced solicitors hold various accreditations and memberships of professional bodies relevant to their expertise, while the firm’s partners oversee all areas of work.