Putting people and clients at the heart of EMG Solicitors

Posted: 18th July 2023

Jemma Morland is a Director and Co-Founder of EMG Solicitors. With offices in Durham, Gosforth, Darlington, Penrith and Manchester, the business provides a range of services including Court of Protection (COP), Wills, trusts and probate, family, dispute resolution, residential conveyancing and commercial property.

Jemma co-founded the firm in 2014, alongside Managing Director Emma Gaudern and now leads EMG’s Court of Protection Property & Affairs department (COP PA). A team that is fast growing and currently resides as the largest independent COP team in the North-East with 36 practitioners, including their health and welfare professionals.

The dedicated COP team at EMG specialise in helping people who, for various reasons, lack the capacity to manage their own financial affairs or make informed decisions about their health and welfare.

And with some of the best lawyers in the country, the efforts of the team are not going unrecognised. This year the business was proudly ranked in Tier 1 in the Legal 500 list for personal tax, trusts and probate. They were also recognised nationally in the Chambers & Partners directory for their Court of Protection Property & Affairs service offering and have been described as ‘one of the finest Court of Protection firms in the country’, with “client care, extensive knowledge and service” cited at the heart of their work.

Jemma Morland, Head of Court of Protection

Jemma said: “It really has been an incredible journey so far. I sometimes have to pinch myself to think about how far we have come since Emma and I founded the company in 2014. Having worked in many male-led ‘traditional’ law firms, we were keen to start something new and do things differently. To create a workplace and culture that helps people be the best version of themselves and in turn deliver exceptional client service. I’ve always had so much respect for Emma from a professional and personal perspective, having been former colleagues, so it was an easy decision to make the leap.

“You know I still vividly remember that first day in February 2014 in my jeans and t shirt, armed with our power tools ready to put up the furniture. And the pot plant that was kindly gifted from my Mum, who optimistically set us the challenge of keeping it alive as long as the business. Sadly, while EMG goes from strength to strength with the opening of our fifth office in Manchester and a growing team of 138 – I can’t quite say the same for the shrub in question. Sorry Mum!”

Jemma who works ‘on’ and ‘in’ the EMG business both as a practising Court of Protection Property & Affairs lawyer but with a strategic leadership role, credits their growth to a simple principle of building strong relationships with clients, ensuring their best interests remain a top priority and that they have the right professional help in place to make important decisions about their finances and care.

Jemma added: “We help our clients live the most enhanced life they can, and I can genuinely say, hand on heart, that I love doing what I do. Every day is so different and at times, whilst it can be challenging, it is incredibly rewarding. I get to see and hear about my clients reaching rehabilitation milestones, living fulfilled lives, making autonomous choices and having their voices heard.”

Another area that can be credited to the business’s success and high staff retention rates is their open, flexible and transparent approach. Created through their values-based culture and recruitment process.

Jemma added: “One of the things that Emma and I were keen to establish was a place where employees felt trusted, supported and had the flexibility needed to manage both their personal and professional lives. As a Mum of two with a busy career I know this all too well. The importance of feeling supported and trusted to deliver what’s required, but also to know you can be there for your family or those personal needs.

I can honestly say that my colleagues are the best of everything. I see them celebrating each other’s successes as well as uplifting one another when needed. There is a real team spirit, although this perhaps leads to us enjoying too many baked goods in the office at times!”

As a people led and people focused business, EMG also takes pride in supporting their local communities. Investing in their community fund, which directly contributes 5% of company profits every year. Providing charitable grants and support to those that live and work in their local areas.

So, what’s next?

As well as supporting and developing her team, Jemma will also focus on her strategic role. “We will continue to focus on our growth, but at the heart it will always be about making the right decisions for our clients and our people. Being strategic in our decisions, progressive, but always kind.”