Our Senior Partner, Ian Fretten, began practicing as a sole practitioner in Christchurch on 1st January 1978 and has spearheaded the development of the firm since then. Ian felt strongly that there was an opportunity in Christchurch for a solicitor's practice that would offer great service at affordable prices.The firm today is very different from the business he started, however, we still work to Ian's original ideals.
The firm originally dealt with residential property, wills, probate and trusts. Over time, new solicitors joined and family law and litigation were added to our areas of expertise. In 2002, Ian's son Matthew joined the practice, having trained and qualified in a large commercial firm in Southampton. His remit was to build a commercial side to the firm to compete effectively with other commercial practices in Dorset. This objective has been successfully attained and the firm now handles commercial, employment, commercial property and debt recovery work. The partners are very pleased to be able to attract high calibre solicitors to each of our teams and continue to strive to provide a high quality service to all clients at affordable cost and, importantly, "with a smile".
The firm became a limited liability partnership (LLP) in 2006 and adopted a new brand which was aimed at promoting the firm as a traditional firm with a forward looking approach. The firm is now Lexcel Accredited and has been recommended by The Legal 500.
The Partners feel that the firm has successfully made the transition from a high street practice to a well rounded, professional firm able to offer a full range of services to clients both in their private and business lives. Now with over fifty members of staff, the firm occupies a large office in the heart of Christchurch. In 2008, a small office was opened in New Milton and in 2012 a further office was opened in Brockenhurst following the merger with Martins Solciitors.
Frettens has a number of long serving members of staff, some have been with the firm for over 10 years. They are some of the pillars of our firm and the Partners are grateful for their hard work and loyalty over the years. At the firm's 30th Anniversary party in July 2008, Ian Fretten publicly paid tribute to all the firm's staff, saying "A law firm is only as good as the people within it and our people are some of the best in the area. Our firm has been very fortunate to have been able to rely upon deeply committed staff down the years and I am very grateful to them for their support, encouragement and hard work."
