Stockport based Bridge Law Solicitors is enjoying an unexpected success, thanks to an idea from solicitor, Sophie Murgatroyd and the launch of its Equine Law Department. As a keen horse rider, Sophie recognised a gap in the market for helping resolve disputes that often arise in the equine community.
Sophie had over nine years litigation experience working in larger Manchester law firms, before she joined Bridge Law Solicitors in August 2017. Sophie has enjoyed her passion for riding throughout her legal career and quickly saw an opportunity to develop a new area of legal practice and “galloped away” with it.
Many horses are kept at livery yards which attract substantial monthly payments. People can often fall behind on payments, so debt recovery can be significant. Also, professional negligence can arise from potential actions of vets, farriers and other professionals working with horses. This has formed the basis of the new Department’s work.
Sophie commented: “I am passionate about all animals, especially horses and so it was an amazing opportunity to incorporate my love for horses into my legal career. I was very surprised with the volume and variety of work this has attracted.
“My typical day now involves drafting sales and livery agreements as well as using my litigation roots to deal with a variety of breach of contract, misrepresentation and professional negligence claims. My specialist knowledge helps the company pursue full recovery of unusual, complex losses arising from stud fees, eventing and so on.”
This unusual area of law has contributed to the firm being nominated for “Innovation firm of the year” at this year’s Manchester Legal Awards.
With the ever-increasing volume of work that this area of law has attracted, Bridge Law Solicitors is now looking to open an additional branch office in Alderley Edge to manage the growing opportunities.
