Background information

Q: What is the origin of the firm?

A: Manches was founded in 1936 by Sidney Manches in a single room in what is now Broadgate. He and his wife Judith were the first husband and wife to practice in partnership. In 1956 they moved to Wigmore Street and then in 1990 the firm's London office moved to Aldwych House. Peter Angel opened the Oxford office in 1982. We opened a Reading office in May 2008.

Q: How is the firm now managed?

A: Louis Manches is the Senior Partner in the London office. Judit Petho is the Chief Executive Officer of the firm. Melvin Pedro is Managing Partner in London and Richard Smith Managing Partner for the Oxford and Reading offices.

Q: What size is the firm?

A: Just under 50 partners; 130 lawyers; 320 people in all.

Q: How has the firm grown?

A: Mainly by organic growth in our key areas. We have also merged with/acquired four smaller firms with complementary practices to ours.

Q: How many trainees do you take on?

A: Normally around 10 each year.

Q: How many do you keep on?

A: Ideally all of them if they are good enough.

Q: What do you look for in trainees?

A: We obviously need people with good intellectual ability but we are looking for something extra as well. We look for people with commitment and energy, and the ability to relate to people at all levels. Trainees are the future lifeblood of our firm. We want to be able to visualise each of them growing to be future partners.

Q: What makes Manches different?

A: We have excellent lawyers. We also have an open, friendly and energetic atmosphere and a commitment to understand what our clients are striving to achieve and go the extra mile for them. Above all, we want our clients to enjoy working with us. We pride ourselves on our 'insider knowledge' gained from working in a number of key business sectors.