About Us

At Broadbents Solicitors we are extremely proud of our long and established history which dates as far back as 1794, when Broadbents were previously known as Wilson & Son. To give you an insight into our history, we need to go back as far as the 1950’s when Mortimer Wilson passed away. Following this, the practice was purchased by Blakesley & Rooth of Chesterfield who installed Geoffrey Broadbent to run the office in Alfreton.

In the 1960’s, Geoffrey split away from Blakesley & Rooth and in turn changed the firm’s name to Broadbent & Co. The new firm continued to practice from 5 King Street, and went onto to expand by opening a second office at 16 King Street, Alfreton in 1976 and then on January 1st 1986 the firm expanded again by opening a branch office at 14 High Street, Heanor. The office in Heanor has gone onto become the LLP’s registered office.

With its long and established history dating back to 1794, Broadbents Solicitors has been a trusted name in Alfreton and Heanor, serving clients across Derbyshire with a dedication to high-quality legal representation. The firm originally specialised in criminal defence and has expanded its expertise to include family law and residential conveyancing, among other areas. Today, Broadbents continues to offer compassionate, dependable legal support, operating on principles that have been carefully developed over decades.

Expertise Built Over Generations

One of the distinguishing features of Broadbents Solicitors is its multigenerational depth of expertise. James’s father, who joined as a trainee solicitor in the 1970s, eventually became a senior partner and only recently retired in 2023. This continuity of leadership has allowed Broadbents to maintain its core values while evolving to meet modern legal challenges. James himself is the latest family member to lead the firm, supported by a team that includes several long-tenured members. “One of our staff members has been with us over 50 years,” James shares, highlighting the loyalty and commitment that underpin Broadbents’ culture.

Embracing Change and Technology

Unsurprisingly, the landscape of legal services has transformed significantly since the firm’s inception. Broadbents has not only adapted to these changes but embraced them to offer more flexible and accessible services. In the 1980s, Broadbents expanded its footprint by opening additional offices; however, with the advent of secure digital connectivity, the firm returned to its roots with two main offices in Alfreton and Heanor. “With IT advancements, we can serve clients across regions without needing a physical presence everywhere,” James explains. This streamlined approach ensures that Broadbents’ clients benefit from both modern convenience and personal attention.

Broadbents’ Commitment to Client Care

Client care remains at the heart of Broadbents’ practice. Each client, whether a longstanding partner or a new referral, receives personal, compassionate, and respectful attention. James emphasises, “We treat every client as an individual-there’s no judgement, only a commitment to providing the best representation possible.” This approach has led to a loyal client base that spans generations, with many clients recommending Broadbents to family and friends.

Broadbents prides itself on providing consistent legal support for all clients, whether they’re funded privately or through legal aid. “Legal aid is critical for many of our clients, especially in criminal cases,” says James. By maintaining its commitment to affordable and accessible legal support, Broadbents ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to quality legal representation.

Skilled, Accredited, and Highly Qualified

Broadbents is fully authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and holds several accreditations, including the Legal Aid Agency’s criminal and family law contracts. To ensure they meet these rigorous standards, Broadbents undergoes regular, independent audits as part of their Specialist Quality Mark certification, which they recently renewed for another three years. James remarks, “Passing these audits confirms that our policies, procedures, and training are up to standard, which is crucial for offering clients the best possible service.” This emphasis on regulatory compliance ensures Broadbents’ clients receive trustworthy, professional legal guidance, with every case handled to the highest standards of care.

Building Relationships Through Transparency and Integrity

In an industry where large firms dominate, Broadbents sets itself apart by offering a more personal, less transactional approach. The firm has built strong ties within the community, further underscored by its long-standing sponsorship of the Heanor Town Tornadoes under-15 girls’ football team, demonstrating Broadbents’ commitment to supporting the local area beyond its legal services. “We wear those shirts with pride,” James shares, underscoring Broadbents’ active involvement in the community.

While Broadbents does not participate in awards ceremonies or promotional competitions, preferring to focus on direct client service, they value their positive client reviews as a measure of their impact. “We’re more focused on our clients’ satisfaction than on industry accolades,” says James. This client-first philosophy has been key to Broadbents’ sustained success and positions the firm as a reliable choice for legal services in Derbyshire.

Recognised Expertise Across Diverse Legal Areas

Broadbents offers a broad range of legal services, with particular expertise in criminal defence, family law, and conveyancing. Their deep understanding of criminal law remains a cornerstone of the practice, with a long history of successfully representing clients in complex criminal cases. “Broadbents was built on a criminal practice, and that remains a major part of our work,” James explains. Family law services, especially in child welfare cases, are another key focus. Broadbents has secured a five-year contract with the Legal Aid Agency to continue providing essential family law services, helping families in need navigate difficult times with compassion and professionalism.

Preparing for a Strong Future

With nearly 50 years of combined legal experience, the team at Broadbents is committed to continuing its legacy while adapting to modern legal needs. James shares, “We’ve managed to lower the average age of our solicitors, bringing fresh perspectives to the firm.” While Broadbents is not looking to expand to new locations, they are focused on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the firm by nurturing talent and developing future partners from within. “We’d like to bring in new partners to lower the average age of our partnership – it’s all about continuity and preparing for the years ahead.”

Broadbents Solicitors – Leading Solicitors in Derbyshire

Broadbents Solicitors welcomes clients seeking expert, compassionate legal support across Derbyshire. As a firm rooted in a tradition of excellence, Broadbents is dedicated to upholding the principles of transparency, trust, and professionalism that have guided them since the beginning. Broadbents Solicitors invites you to experience legal representation that prioritises your needs, builds on generations of expertise, and supports you every step of the way.

© 2021 – Broadbents Solicitors – All Rights Reserved. Broadbents is a trading name of Broadbents Solicitors LLP (OC361577) Registered in England and Wales Broadbents Solicitors LLP 14 High Street, Heanor, Derbyshire, DE75 7EX. A list of members of Broadbents Solicitors LLP will be provided on request or can be inspected at this address. Authorised & Regulated by The Solicitors Regulation Authority – SRA No: 563656