A Dorset law firm has gained new recognition for its outstanding commitment to military personnel and veterans.

Ellis Jones Solicitors has received the government’s silver Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award for making a difference to the ‘forces family’.

It comes just a year after the firm signed the Armed Forces Covenant and received the ERS bronze award.

The law firm – with offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood Swanage and Wimborne – counts members of the armed forces community among its 170 staff and 22 partners, and has raised thousands of pounds for military charities.

Nigel Smith, managing partner, said: “We are privileged to be awarded with the silver ERS award in recognition of the work that the firm has done, and continues to do, to support defence people both in terms of our staff, our clients and the wider community.”

Ellis Jones’ Armed Forces covenant is registered with the Ministry of Defence and administered by the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA).

Its silver ERS application was submitted to a board at Wessex RFCA including the Army Commander for the South West and members of the business community.

Associate solicitor Conor Maher, a commissioned officer in the Army Cadet Force, led the drive to gain the silver award.

He said: “The firm has already seen the huge benefit that defence people bring to the civilian workplace, and looks forward to continue working with reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), veterans, military spouses/partners, and the wider defence community to bring about positive change.”

Ellis Jones’ commitment to the armed forces has included a 100-mile Jurassic Coast trek which raised £5,500 for ABF The Soldiers Charity.

It has also raised money and supported charities and good causes such as SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity, Veterans with Dogs, the Bowra Foundation and a sailing expedition for army cadets on the historic yacht ‘Boleh’.

The firm holds staff awareness sessions about the armed forces and supports initiatives including the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and Armed Forces Day.

Other support includes an additional 10 days paid leave and working flexibility for reservists and CFAVs to attend training camps and courses.

The firm offers discounts across a range of service areas for reservists, CFAVs and veteran clients, including spouses. 

It engages with local cadet units and is in the process of designing a mentorship programme for cadets. It also works with forces recruitment organisations to provide opportunities for personnel leaving the military as well as spouses and partners.

Staff from Ellis Jones Solicitors recently joined in a packed programme of events to raise money and learn more about the military for this year’s Armed Forces Day.

The events included a bake sale, a quiz night, a fun-packed ‘EJ Olympics’ sport day, and a football five-a-side, with proceeds in aid of the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA).

Conor was commissioned as an officer in the Army Cadet Force in 2018 and is currently an Area Staff Officer in the rank of lieutenant, having served previously as a non-commissioned officer from 2013 to 2018. In 2020, Conor was further appointed as the ACF regional diversity and inclusivity advisor to Headquarters South West. 

Visit https://www.ellisjones.co.uk/about/armed-forces-covenant-2/ to find out more about Ellis Jones’ commitment to the military and veterans.

FILE PICTURE: Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Sharman of the British Army (left) and Ellis Jones Solicitors Managing Partner Nigel Smith (right) when the firm signed of the Armed Forces Covenant in June 2022 and received its bronze Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award. Since then, Ellis Jones has gone on the gain the Silver Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award.