A former professional footballer, an estate agent entrepreneur, and a social housing consultant have joined forces to launch a new law firm in the North-East of England, known as Hunter Maxwell Associates (HMA). The firm has officially started operating under the alternative business structure (ABS) of 360 Law Services, a part of the 360 Law Group.
HMA, headed by Chris Sanders, the former footballer, and director of the firm, has adopted a unique model, resembling a “mini-ABS,” by teaming up with non-lawyers Ben Quaintrell, an estate agent entrepreneur, and Danny Key, a social housing consultant. The firm’s offices in Newcastle and Darlington are situated alongside those of My Property Box, an estate and lettings group founded by Mr. Quaintrell, while Mr. Key serves as the director of housing and social care consultancy Support Solutions UK.
The trio has invested their own capital into the business and, for the time being, is not seeking external backing. HMA plans to initially offer services in residential and commercial conveyancing, corporate law, and wills and trusts.
Under the agreement with 360 Law Services, the latter retains 30% of the fees in exchange for providing back-office support functions and indemnity insurance, among other services. HMA has started well, garnering support from mortgage brokers and estate agents, and has recently secured its first commercial instruction. Additionally, the firm has the capability to refer work to the 360 Group, allowing it to present clients with a comprehensive range of services.
While sports law is a possibility for the future, Chris Sanders will continue to serve as a director of the independent fostering agency The Acorns and EduTech Recruitment, specializing in education sector recruitment.
Chris Sanders’ journey into law began after he became a professional footballer at Darlington FC while studying law, with funding from the Professional Footballers’ Association, which covered half the cost of his legal practice course. He qualified as a solicitor and later established the law firm Austen Sanders in Darlington.
Ben Quaintrell emphasized that HMA could provide a full range of residential conveyancing services to both sales clients and those seeking to buy or remortgage. He highlighted the firm’s ability to advise on property-related matters, given that the firm’s directors have extensive experience as property investors and strong connections within investor networks.
Danny Key emphasized that many social housing and care providers have diverse legal needs, including contractual service agreements with local authorities and property acquisitions for service delivery, such as purchases of commercial properties or business leases.
