Pictured above: (l-r) John Gossage (Managing Partner, Young
& Pearce), Joanne Millward (Partner, Sharp & Partners),
Richard Bates (Partner, Young & Pearce), Chris Carlin (Managing
Partner, Sharp & Partners)
Two Nottingham law firms that have both been in the city since
the 1800's are set to merge in a deal that will create an eleven
partner private practice.
Young & Pearce and Sharp & Partners, which between them
have six locations in Nottinghamshire, including city centre
offices in Talbot Street and Weekday Cross respectively, have this
week (18th July 2011) confirmed their intention to merge.
The merger will complete on the 1st September 2011, and create a
total workforce of 68 staff, including 29 lawyers.
According to Young & Pearce's managing partner John Gossage,
merger talks between the two firms began in April, driven by a
mutual objective of gaining critical mass in preparation for the
Legal Services Act, as he explains:
"Both firms recognise the importance of evolving to keep step
with the changes to the legal services market and the way in which
quality legal advice is delivered.
"We agree the most effective route to achieving this overriding
objective is through a merger, but of critical importance to both
firms is that each should have a complementary range of legal
services and expertise. Equally important is a tangible focus on
and commitment to a high quality legal service for all clients.
"From early on in our discussions, these qualities became
obvious as intrinsic to the ethos within both firms. By combining
the firms' exceptional client service, the legal resource,
expertise and locations, the new practice will be in an extremely
strong position to build the critical mass we feel is important at
this time, which will ultimately benefit all business and
individual clients."
Young & Pearce has offices in Nottingham's Talbot Street and
Burton Joyce. Its five partners, seven fee earners and eleven
support staff, offer legal advice to businesses and individuals in
Nottingham and throughout the UK.
Sharp & Partners has offices in Weekday Cross in Nottingham,
Arnold, Calverton and Long Eaton. A general practice, it offers a
range of legal services to businesses and individuals, particularly
in general private client matters including property, wills, trusts
and probate. It has six partners, eleven fee earners and 29 support
staff.
Chris Carlin, managing partner of Sharp & Partners said: "I
am excited by the prospect of the merger. The focus for each firm
is highly complementary and, following the merger, the combined
firm will be in a strong position to deliver an even greater range
of legal services.
"Both firms place significant emphasis on the provision of
exceptional service to all clients, and operate on the basis of
partner-led, personal client advice. We will take the very best of
this service from both firms, to create an edge in the provision of
quality legal services in the region, and be a firm that continues
to attract top quality lawyers.
"The merger offers great potential for all clients, and the
service they have always enjoyed from both firms will be unchanged;
they will continue to work with a senior, qualified and experienced
lawyer who understands their business or personal legal
requirements. Their lawyer will remain with the client throughout
the process, to ensure consistency and high quality legal solutions
at a time when clients need it most."