Minal Backhouse founded Backhouse Solicitors in 2005, eight years after qualifying as a solicitor, and still leads it as chief executive.
The Essex law firm merged with Duffield Stunt Solicitors in 2015, opened a second office in Leigh-on-Sea in October 2024 and says it now has a team of more than 65, with new employment and litigation solicitors joining in August and September 2026.
It advises businesses and individuals on employment, commercial, property, dispute resolution and private client matters from its head office in Chelmsford. She tells Business Matters why client care, people and community remain at the heart of a firm she built with her husband, Ben.
What do you currently do at Backhouse Solicitors?
As CEO of Backhouse Solicitors, I lead the strategic direction of the firm while continuing to oversee our legal services and support our team. I founded the business in 2005 with the aim of providing exceptional legal expertise alongside outstanding client care, and those principles remain at the heart of everything we do today.
No two days are the same. My role involves heading up our leadership team, supporting the development of our people, ensuring we continue to deliver excellent service to clients and identifying opportunities for growth and innovation. While we have grown significantly over the years, I am passionate about maintaining the personal approach that has always defined our firm.
A large part of my time is spent helping shape our culture. I firmly believe that successful businesses are built by great people, and I am incredibly proud of the talented team we have developed. Creating an environment where people can thrive professionally while feeling valued and supported is a key responsibility.
I also continue to have a strong interest in employment law and helping businesses navigate complex challenges. What I enjoy most is helping clients find clarity and confidence when they are facing uncertainty. Whether we are advising on business growth, employment issues or dispute resolution, it is rewarding to know that we are making a meaningful difference to people’s lives and businesses.
What was the inspiration behind your business?
The inspiration came from a simple belief that clients deserve expert legal advice delivered in a way that is approachable, practical and genuinely client focused.
Having worked in a number of legal practices after qualifying as a solicitor in 1997, I saw first-hand what worked well and where clients often felt underserved. While technical legal expertise is essential, I felt that communication, responsiveness and client experience were sometimes overlooked.
When I founded Backhouse Solicitors in 2005, I wanted to create a firm that combined high-quality legal advice with exceptional service and real value for money. My aim was to build long-term relationships rather than focus solely on individual transactions, so that clients felt they had trusted advisers who genuinely cared about their success.
The business was built from the ground up alongside my husband, Ben Backhouse, and it has been an incredible journey. We have faced many challenges along the way, but we have always stayed true to our values. Seeing the firm grow through client recommendations has been one of the most rewarding aspects, and it reassures us that our approach resonates with the people and organisations we support.
I have also always been passionate about contributing to the community, and that sense of responsibility extends into the wider business and local communities. Business success should not only be measured by financial results but also by the positive impact you have on the people around you.
How has the firm grown since 2005?
In 2015 we merged with Duffield Stunt Solicitors, a practice whose roots go back to 1799, and that doubled the size of the firm. In October 2024 we opened a second office in Leigh-on-Sea, and today we have a team of more than 65. We have chosen Farleigh Hospice as our charity of the year for 2026 and also support Chelmsford Foodbank.
Who do you admire?
I admire people who build successful organisations without losing sight of the people at the heart of them. Many leaders achieve commercial success, but the ones I respect most are those who remain grounded, act with integrity and put people first.
In business, I am particularly inspired by entrepreneurs who can scale organisations while maintaining strong values and a positive culture. It is easy to focus on growth, revenue and performance metrics, but truly great leaders understand that sustainable success comes from looking after clients, employees and stakeholders.
Outside of business, I have always admired people who stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult. That is one reason why To Kill a Mockingbird has remained one of my favourite books. Its themes of justice, integrity and courage strongly resonate with me, particularly given my legal background.
I also admire individuals who continue learning and evolving throughout their careers. The business world is constantly changing, and the most successful people are often those who remain curious, adaptable and open to new ideas.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Like most business owners, I can look back and see decisions I would make differently with the benefit of experience. However, I genuinely believe that many of those challenges and mistakes were valuable learning opportunities.
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to trust my instincts even earlier and not spend quite so much time worrying about achieving perfection. When you are building a business, it is easy to feel that every decision carries enormous weight. Experience teaches you that progress is often more important than perfection.
I would also have invested even earlier in systems, technology and leadership development. As businesses grow, the ability to delegate effectively becomes increasingly important, and one of the biggest lessons I have learned is that growth depends on empowering talented people and giving them the opportunity to succeed.
That said, every challenge has shaped the business we have today. The lessons learned through difficult periods have often been more valuable than those learned during easier times.
What defines your way of doing business?
My approach is defined by integrity, strong relationships and excellent client service.
Trust is the foundation of every successful business relationship. Whether you are working with clients, colleagues or suppliers, people need to know that you will do what you say you are going to do. Reputation takes years to build and moments to lose, so consistency and honesty are incredibly important.
Client care should never be treated as a secondary consideration. Technical expertise is expected, but exceptional service is what creates lasting relationships. The growth of Backhouse Solicitors has been built on recommendations, which reflects the importance we place on delivering positive outcomes and experiences for our clients.
Another defining feature is investing in people. A business can only be as strong as its team, so creating opportunities for development, encouraging collaboration and fostering a positive culture are all priorities for me.
Finally, businesses have a responsibility to contribute positively to their communities. Through my involvement with local organisations, schools and community initiatives, I have seen the value that businesses can bring when they engage beyond their commercial activities.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
First and foremost, be prepared to work hard. There is no substitute for commitment, resilience and determination when building a business.
Secondly, focus relentlessly on your customers. It can be tempting to become distracted by competitors, trends or technology, but understanding and serving your customers better than anyone else will always provide a strong foundation.
Seek advice and build a strong network around you. No one succeeds entirely on their own, so learn from people who have already faced the challenges you are experiencing and do not be afraid to ask questions.
Embrace change, too. Markets evolve, customer expectations shift and technology continues to transform the way we work, and the businesses that thrive are usually those that remain adaptable and willing to learn.
Finally, remember that success is not just about financial performance. Building a business you are proud of, creating opportunities for others and making a positive impact are equally important. The journey will not always be easy, but the challenges are often what make the successes worthwhile. Stay patient, trust yourself and keep moving forward.
