Summary: Law Firm Thomson Snell & Passmore of Kent is the world’s oldest law firm with a foundation date in 1570.
During the middle of the Elizabethan period in 1570, a law firm was established. This law firm is still running today, setting World Records because of it. While their name has changed since 1570, Thomson Snell & Passmore is still operating today as a mixed-practice. Thomson Snell & Passmore acquired their current name in 1968. The firm is based in Dartford and Tunbridge Wells.
This is not the first time the law firm has been a part of the record books. Ancestor of the firm founder, Frederick Alfred Snell was given the honor of the oldest practicing solicitor in England shortly before his death in 1954. Snell was 96-years-old.
The firm was founded by Nicholas Hooper, a curate of the Tonbridge Parish Church. He called himself a “scrivener and drafter of documents” that would write wills and property bonds for the community.
Current Chief Executive Simon Slater said of the award, “It is tremendous to be named an official World Record holder. This is an acknowledgement of the firm’s unique longevity and a testament to our resilience as a law firm. This recognition underpins our promise to our clients that we will always be here to provide legal support.”
Photo: worldrecordacademy.com