Shared values is the key as law firms join forces
ANORTH East law firm covering a rural area has been acquired by another practice in the North. Hexham’s Nicholson Portnell Solicitors has been acquired by Cumbrian firm Cartmell Shepherd, which already has a base in nearby Haltwhistle. The companies said the deal would strengthen the services both practices provide to their client bases.
In particular, the deal will provide Nicholson Portnell clients and the wider North East community with a broader range of legal expertise in its agricultural, employment, dispute resolution, private client, business services and family law teams, the firms said.
Richard Nelson, senior partner at Nicholson Portnell, said: “We are delighted to be coming together with such a prestigious, well-established firm like Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, with whom our values and ethos are very much aligned.
“Cartmell Shepherd is passionate about the welfare of its staff and supporting career progression, and the importance placed on the well-being of its employees was a big factor in agreeing to join forces. This is an exciting development for Nicholson Portnell and we look forward to providing enhanced legal services to our clients from our iconic building in Hexham town centre.”
Nicholson Portnell was formed in 2003 following the merger of law firms Nicholson Wood & Gregg and Portnell Ward & Rose. As well as its existing Northumberland office in Haltwhistle, Cartmell Shepherd has two offices in Carlisle, plus sites in Cockermouth, Penrith and Brampton.
Peter Stafford, the managing director of Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said: “Nicholson Portnell has been providing trusted legal and advice guidance to North East communities for decades and we are delighted that we have come to an agreement where we can combine the excellent services both legal practices provide for the benefit of our clients and our teams.
“This deal is a major milestone in both firms’ long histories and will bring many benefits through our shared values and our shared vision for the future. Joining forces with Nicholson Portnell will help strengthen our presence in the Tyne Valley and Northumberland and support and enhance the great work both teams carry out on a daily basis.”
The new group will now have a headcount of more than 100.
We are delighted to be coming together with such a prestigious, wellestablished firm Richard Nelson