Representing a client in legal matters abroad can be a daunting task, irrespective of your expertise in the UK. Dealing with the minutiae of probate and property law in sunnier climes can make seemingly straight-forward cases a quagmire of confusion and can waste time that you don’t have.
Within this space, BCP International Law Firm offers a compelling solution. Based in Spain, with further offices dotted across Europe and Africa, BCP are a group of regulated international lawyers who deliver legal advice in a range of languages to clients across the globe.
We sat down with Ian Coupland, (image, right) solicitor and Head of the London Office at BCP International Law Firm to find out more.
Q: Before we get into BCP, tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born in Hull, as is my wife and we have 2 girls who are both at University. I have been a solicitor for over 25 years. I trained in London and formerly was a partner at 2 top 200 law firms. I am a sports fanatic. I still play football and spend a lot of my time (with my wife) following Hull City home and away (including Wembley!).
Q: So how did BCP International come about?
BCP was created in 1998 by our Senior Partner, Oscar Abeti, who spotted a gap in the market of selling high quality specialist international law services to UK based clients and contacts. BCP’s head office is based in Marbella (Spain). We have had a London Office since 2003 and also have other offices in Alicante (Spain), Lagos (Portugal) and Tangier (Morocco). Full details of our services are on are website www.bcplawfirm.com.
Q: What sort of solicitors use BCP?
It is predominately solicitors in the Property and Private Client areas in relation to our International Conveyancing and International Probate services. Although our work also includes International Asset Recovery and Proceeds of Crime; International Litigation and Arbitration; International Tax and Accounting; Shipping and Yachting. We act for small, medium and large UK law firms; Licensed Conveyancing Firms; Accountants; IFAs; Insolvency Practitioners and Wealth Management Companies.
Q: What does BCP bring to a law firm?
We mirror the personal level of service that a law firm gives to its clients. They keep control of their clients at all times and we ensure that they are regularly updated on the progress of their matter. Our UK staff bridge the cultural and language divides which can often cause confusion and uncertainty. No call centres. No outsourcing. We are one law firm providing a first class and personal service. We are not an association or group of individual lawyers. We operate a strict non-poaching policy and working with BCP ensures they will receive regular, additional income via SRA regulated referral and fee sharing arrangements.
Q: How can we contact BCP?
Contacting BCP is easy. Just call me on my mobile 0771 287 5751 to chat through a scenario or e-mail me at ian@bcplawfirm.com. BCP’s London office address is 107-111 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2AB.
Q: Why are BCP working with TM Group?
With the resurgence in foreign property sales following on from the improved UK Property market it seemed like a natural fit for BCP to handle overseas work for the customers of TM Group, the largest provider of property searches to the conveyancing sector in the UK. This ensures that a strong relationship is maintained between TM Group’s customers and their clients.
Q: Are you regulated? What safeguards do you have?
At the outset of any matter, and just as you would expect from a UK Law firm, we provide a quote for our services and a letter of engagement. We have Professional Indemnity Insurance Cover and are regulated both under the Spanish and the Solicitors Regulation Authorities.
If you’d like to start working with BCP for overseas legal matters, simply enquire here.
