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Rob has more than 30 years’ experience and has worked his way up since joining Brachers in 1991. He joined the management team in 2007 and became a Partner in 2015.
“I love helping and guiding the team on their cases, sharing and explaining the knowledge that I’ve picked up over the years.
Robert Thompson Partner (Debt Recovery) -
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Tell me about your career at Brachers so far.
I joined Brachers in May 1991 as an office junior, having left school the previous year after my A levels.
Within a year or so I was offered a promotion to the Debt Recovery team as a filing clerk. I also began studying to become a Legal Executive. I continued to work hard and tried to make myself useful by picking up some of the tasks that nobody else wanted to do, in particular reconciling balances on files.
Before long I had been promoted again and was actually working the cases. Over the years I worked my way up through the team, handling increasingly challenging work, before becoming a manager and then later a Partner.
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In a few sentences, describe a typical day for you
Is there such a thing?! I work on the Performance side of the team, trying to ensure that cases are progressed and money collected as best as is possible. This also involves liaising very closely with the client.
Quite a large part of my time is assisting the team with the more difficult decisions to be made on cases, as well as overseeing all of the defended work.
The team operates with large volumes and under high pressure. There is a very good team ethos, with all of us pulling together.
What do you like most about what you do here at Brachers?
I love helping and guiding the team on their cases, sharing and explaining the knowledge that I’ve picked up over the years.
Debt collection is not easy, especially in the current, highly regulated consumer environment. There are so many considerations to take into account when deciding what to do or not to do on an account, whether to accept a settlement, handling complaints and disputes, and watching out for whether there are customer vulnerabilities.
Sharing the detail of how legal proceedings work is particularly satisfying, especially as this is often the area of most interest to the team.
What’s your favourite part of working with your team and wider colleagues?
The fact that we work together to find ways forward and solutions to issues. We are very focussed and tight-knit as a team.
What stands out to you about the culture at Brachers?
Open, friendly and relaxed, yet professional. I think this is great for giving people the freedom to be who they are and express themselves and develop, rather than be stifled by a culture which they don’t entirely fit with.
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What are you most proud of, working at Brachers?
Working my way up through the ranks, from office junior to Partner. Being a Partner in such a well-regarded law firm. Being a manager in one of the most highly regarded and award winning Collections & Recoveries teams in the country.
All of the above allowing me to gain the respect of my industry peers, electing me as Chair of the Civil Court Users Association for five consecutive years, which in turn allows me to represent Brachers on a wider platform within the industry.
Finally: What would you say to someone considering working at Brachers?
It literally changed my life.
I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do when I left school after my A levels. I don’t have a University degree. Brachers allowed me to learn on the job and progress through hard work. Whatever background and level you arrive with, Brachers could do the same for you.
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Brachers life
We have a long and rich history of helping clients in Kent and supporting numerous charity and community initiatives for over 125 years.
As a firm we continue to grow, and are proud to be leading the way with our innovation and investment in technology.
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“Friendly staff, supportive and approachable colleagues who share the same vision.”
Sharon Hooper, IT Support and Training Manager
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Building your career
We believe in the potential of our staff and allowing people to shine. With our clear progression routes and a range of support systems, you’ll have all you need to achieve a fulfilling career.
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Hear from our staff
Colleagues from across the business share a glimpse into their life at Brachers
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Sharon Hooper
IT Support and Training Manager
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Lydia Burchell
Secretary (Litigation)
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Monikar Cheema
Trainee Solicitor (Corporate & Commercial)
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Benefits
Our staff work really hard and we think hard work should be rewarded. We offer a great benefits package to ensure we make your work with Brachers, and your life outside of work, more fulfilling.
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“My role from trainee to partner at Brachers has been very rewarding. I now enjoy supporting and mentoring the new trainees joining our team”
Matt Simmonds, Partner (Corporate and Commercial) -
“This is a great place to work. If you are looking for an alternative opportunity to a London firm, but want to maintain the quality of clients and work, you couldn’t do better than joining Brachers”
Alex Cosgrove, Partner (Corporate and Commercial)
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Early career opportunities
Whether you are a student looking for work experience, you are considering your first steps into a legal career or you are exploring a new career path, we offer a wide range of opportunities to give you the best start.
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Client, The Legal 500The team gives excellence knowledge and advice
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Legal 500 2024An extremely high success/recovery rate.
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Legal 500 2024A dedicated team. Personal professional service which leads to successful outcomes.
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Legal 500 2024The team has a wealth of litigation knowledge which enables them to advise on specific complex matters as well as the more straightforward claims. They are always approachable and always willing to go the extra mile.
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Get in touch