A DORSET law firm has gained new recognition from the government for its 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, which has offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood Swanage and Wimborne, has already raised thousands of pounds for military charities and counts members of the armed forces community among its staff and partners.

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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.” 

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’ recently did a 100-mile Jurassic Coast trek which raised £5,500 for ABF The Soldiers Charity.

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It has also raised money for 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’. 

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).