Thomson Snell & Passmore

Thomson Snell & Passmore is a law firm for businesses and individuals, based at Heathervale House in Tunbridge Wells and serving clients across Kent, London, the South East and further afield. Its business teams cover corporate, banking and finance, real estate, disputes and employment. For individuals it handles private client, family, property, employment, medical negligence, personal injury and Court of Protection work. Its sector groups include agriculture and rural affairs, transport and logistics, food and drink, construction, charities, education and technology.

The firm traces its history to 1570, when Nicholas Hooper, a curate of Tonbridge Parish Church, set up as a scrivener and drafter of documents. In 2014 Guinness World Records recognized it as the oldest law firm in operation, according to the firm’s website.

A new senior partner

Richard Ellard became senior partner in 2026, succeeding Joanna Pratt, who held the role for six years. In June 2026 the firm appointed Sarah Easton, at the firm since 2010, as head of real estate.

Thirteen years of growth

Turnover rose 12% to £34.3m in the year to 5 June 2025, from £30.6m, according to the accounts Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP filed at Companies House in February 2026. Operating profit rose from £5.7m to £7.4m, and profit before members’ remuneration from £7.4m to £9.1m. The average number of employees, excluding members, rose from 263 to 273: 148 fee earners and 125 support staff, with 21 members.

The firm has since reported its results for the year to 5 June 2026. It said fees billed rose 5.2% to £35.6m, its 13th consecutive year of growth, and 53% over six years from £24.6m in 2020–21. “These results reflect the strength of our strategy and collective ambition,” Ellard said.

Corporate and private client work

Recent corporate mandates announced by the firm include advising the partners of Newman Pearce & Partners on its sale to the Clear Group and advising Automotive Compliance on its sale to Evolution Funding Group. The firm bought SJS Law Limited in 2022, according to its accounts.

It is listed as a top-ranked firm in Chambers 2026 and holds the Law Society’s Lexcel practice management standard and Cyber Essentials Plus certification, according to its website.