Stronger together as law firms merge
TWO independent legal firms have merged, creating a 185-strong practice with a turnover of £12 million.
The Wilkes Partnership, which has offices in Birmingham and Solihull, has joined forces with Birminghambased Coley & Tilley.
The Wilkes Partnership said the undisclosed deal would greatly enhance its offer for corporate clients and boost its practice in areas such as commercial property, dispute resolution and employment.
The personal injury team will stay under the Coley & Tilley brand.
Nigel Wood, senior partner at The Wilkes Partnership, said: “This merg- er continues the long-term growth plans that we have for the firm and, by joining with Coley & Tilley, we have added considerable legal experience in a range of practice areas.
“We want to provide the best quality legal services to clients and through this merger we are doing that. We set out with an ambition to continue growing and delivering expertise that is recognised both regionally and nationally. This merger is a huge step in the right direction of realising those ambitions.”
James Leo, managing partner at Coley & Tilley, added: “Through discussions with Nigel and other board members at Wilkes, we quickly realised that bringing the two firms together would both complement and enhance our offering to clients.
“We have similar ambitions to deliver quality work that is industry leading and we have taken care that our clients will see a seamless transition to the new firm with their original points of contact.
“This is the start of a new chapter for both Wilkes and Coley & Tilley and one that provides fresh opportunities to expand and grow together.”
In 2013, The Wilkes Partnership merged with Solihull-based Williamson & Soden.