Exist since 1570 and still operating today.
“Who is the oldest law firm in the world?” This question may have crossed your head, legal practitioners, especially advocates. To answer this question, you don’t need to bother doing research, because Guinness World Records (GWR), a world record certification body, has just released the latest information about the oldest law firm in the world.
Quoted from what was later republished by, GWR named Thomson Snell & Passmore as the oldest law firm in the world. This law firm from Kent, England has been recorded to have existed since 1570 and is still actively operating.
Uniquely, it is reported that the founder of Thomson Snell & Passmore is a priest named. At that time, Nicholas described himself as compiling legal documents for wills and property bonds.
After Nicholas passed away in 1618, his son named John continued to work on the law firm. Along the way, Nicholas’s law firm had a name change to Alleyne & Walker. Then, the name changed again to Alleyne Morgan & Freer.
In 1939, the law firm that Nicholas had started was sold to Templars & Passmore
Then, Templar & Passmore collaborated with Walker, Freer & Brown until finally Thomson Snell & Passmore officially formed in 1968.
To note, “Oldest Law Firm” is not the only world record held by Thomson Snell & Passmore. Previously, Thomson Snell & Passmore co-founder Frederick Alfred Snell was named GWR as the oldest practicing English advocate. Frederick was still active in his profession until he was 96 years old, before finally dying in 1954.
“To be called a world record holder feels incredible,” said Thomson Snell & Passmore Chairman Simon Slater.
For Simon, the record given by GWR is a form of recognition of the success of Thomson Snell & Passmore’s longevity as well as proof that Thomson Snell & Passmore can last a long time.
“This award confirms our promise to clients that we (Thomson Snell & Passmore) will always be there to provide legal services, “said Simon.
Thomson Snell & Passmore Senior Partner, James Partridge added, “We are pleased with our history, and we with our experience and legacy will continue to grow to respond to client needs and adapt to legal developments.”