The Porter Dodson Heritage
How we work with our Clients The Porter Dodson Commercial Team
Our Range of Services

The PORTER DODSON Heritage
Porter Dodson was formed in May 1997 by the merger of two well-respected and long-established West Country practices - Dodson Harding of Taunton, Bridgwater and Wellington, and Porter Bartlett & Mayo of Yeovil, Sherborne, Langport, Sturminster Newton and Blandford Forum. This merger of two firms of similar philosophy and with over two hundred years of legal expertise has created one of the leading practices in the South West of England.
One of the objectives of the new firm is to provide all its clients with large-firm expertise in a wide range of legal services on a friendly, personal and local basis through its network of offices in Somerset and Dorset. The structure of Ported Dodson Commercial Department reflect this objective.

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The PORTER DODSON Commercial Team
Porter Dodson's Commercial Department operates mainly from its Taunton and Yeovil offices. This is where the majority of the Department's 17 lawyers are based, thus providing a concentration of expertise in two of the region's largest commercial centres. Where our specialists in such subjects as Agriculture and charities are based in other offices, we obviously draw upon their expertise. In addition, and in keeping with the firm's commitment to providing a personal service, the Department is organised to provide its full range of services to our commercial clients whose businesses are located closer to any of our other offices. If the expertise you require necessitates our coming out to see you at one of these offices or on site, this can easily be arranged.
The firm already acts for a wide range of commercial enterprises pursuing equally diverse business interests, from unincorporated sole traders, through partnerships and small companies, to some of the largest employers in the South West. If you have dealt with us before, you will know the importance we place on quality of service. If we are working with you for the first time, you may be assured you are in good company.

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How we Work with our Clients
No single lawyer can be an expert in all areas of the law. For this reason we have built up teams of specialists to look after your requirements as a business client. To maintain a personal service, a member of the team will be your initial point of contact, whatever the nature of your query.
If you have dealt with us before, and already have a named contact, you should feel free to continue to regard him or her as such.
If you are a new client you will have a member of the team (usually a partner) appointed to act as your initial point of contact. He or she will deal with the matter for you or put you in touch with the specialist who is best able to help. Your contact will also ensure that regular progress reports are provided.
It is Porter Dodson's policy that as part of the initial discussion of the work to be undertaken, an indication of the cost involved is provided wherever possible. The need for value for money is fully understood. Costs are based mainly (but not entirely) on the time and resources devoted to the work. Our hourly rates vary according to the experience of the members of the team involved. We will be pleased to provide further information on request.

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Our Range of Services
We aim to provide our commercial clients with the full range of services which they may require in running their business. Areas of expertise include:
Property sale and purchase Partnerships
Leases and landlord and tenant Business transfer
Planning and planning agreements Intellectual property and confidentiality agreements
Environmental Law Commercial litigation and commercial contracts
Agriculture Consumer Credit Agreements
Collateral Warranties Debt Collection
Site Developments including building agreements Health and Safety
Insolvency, liquidation and bankruptcy Franchising
Employment Licensing
Company advice and formation Charities
Director and company secretary responsibilities Mediation
Share and asset acquisition and disposal Tax including VAT

Porter Dodson can provide you with an excellent service whether you are running an established business, large or small, or just starting a new venture.