Congratulations to south east firm Thomson Snell & Passmore - recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest law firm in operation - which today celebrates its 450th anniversary.

Thomson Snell & Passmore was originally founded in 1570, by Nicholas Hooper, a curate of the Tonbridge Parish Church in Kent. Hooper undertook a range of work including will writing and conveyancing. Records remain of a will, which he drew up on behalf of a certain Thomas Lamparde, a 'yeoman' of Tonbridge as well as a bond for a property in nearby Hadlow (dated 1593). 

Over the centuries, the firm has grown and developed, operating under a progression of names before finally becoming Thomson Snell & Passmore in 1968. 

Sarah Henwood, chief executive, says: 'We’re very proud of our long history, and we recognise that we wouldn’t be here today unless we were able to embrace change. From leading the way as early adopters of technology in the 1970s and setting up a publishing arm producing the first set of legal precedents (which we later sold to Sweet & Maxwell), anticipating and responding to change is part of our DNA.

'As we start to navigate a "new normal" with coronavirus continuing to impact on all aspects of life, this ability to predict and adapt to change will be more important than ever. However, while we will continue to evolve, some things will stay the same. We will always place our clients and our people first and will remain committed to the communities we serve.'

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