After years of garnering the sometimes-earned derision of rivals, the signs are that Hammonds may finally be getting its act together in the Midlands – admittedly four years after the Edge Ellison takeover.
Insiders attribute a good deal of the more positive attitude to the appointment of former Lattice general counsel Patrick Somers in 2002. Not only did this secure a high profile and energetic in-house lawyer, but the appointment allowed the firm to build further on its traditional strength in energy – an area where Hammonds’ reputation has lagged.
