Local law firm appoints IT Director

Award-winning IT expert provides technological edge for Gardner Leader

Along with many businesses in the UK, Newbury-based law firm Gardner Leader LLP is busy preparing for the economic upturn and to ensure they stay ahead of the field, they have appointed Neil Prevett as IT Director. Neil, who is the winner of the Regional IT Director of the Year accolade in the 2009 Legal Technology Awards, joins the firm from a Bournemouth based Top 150 Law Firm, where he was Director of IT & Communications. He brings a wealth of experience to the firm, having specialised in Legal IT for the past 10 years. Neil explains: “I have been tasked with conducting a complete review of Gardner Leader’s entire IT infrastructure to ensure that internal procedures, processes and communications are all operating as efficiently as possible. By using IT effectively will streamline some processes and free up costly man-hours which can be better channelled into client interaction and providing a personal service – an attribute which Gardner Leader highly values. “IT can also help to improve the way in which Gardner Leader works collaboratively with other businesses and I am eager to see benefits from these kind of partnerships. When specialist expertise can be provided in unison, with organisations working together, everyone benefits – especially the client. “More and more people use online channels to access products, including legal services and we are keen to utilise this technology. For example, Gardner Leader are about to embark on an online HR management system which will help HR managers to store and organise HR documents, policies and employee records, as well as obtain easy access to legal advice when needed. Gardner Leader is very eager to move with the times and embrace technological advances wherever appropriate, but will still maintain their personal approach which sets them apart from the rest.” Chris Felton, Partner, is very excited about the possibilities this new appointment creates. He comments: “With Neil on the team, we can now become much more proactive with our IT provision and give ourselves even more of a competitive edge over our competitors. I wish him every success in his post and warmly welcome him to the practice. Neil added: “I am delighted to be working for Gardner Leader. Their reputation precedes them and it is immensely satisfying working for a professional firm who manages to retain such personal and friendly service. Neil is an avid cricket fan, with an Uncle who played for Sussex and England and a cousin who was a wicket keeper for Hampshire for ten years. He also enjoys motor sports and was once a keen guitar player – although he now admits to being a little rusty! -Ends- Words: 454 For further press information please contact Colin Bridgman at LCM PR & Marketing on 0845 345 6969 or email colin@lcm.co.uk Notes to editor Newbury based solicitors, Gardner Leader, have been delivering quality legal services throughout the South of England since it was established in 1895. As a member of LawNet in the Federation of Independent Law Firms, the company supplies a high quality legal service in a variety of specialist fields. Full details of the services provided by Gardner Leader for businesses and individuals can be found on their Website www.gardner-leader.co.uk.