An employee-owned law firm is expanding its presence across the South West with an office move in Somerset and a new base in Bournemouth.
Stephens Scown, which was recognised as one of the Sunday Times’ best places to work in 2025, already has sites in Truro, Exeter and Taunton.
The company's Somerset team is moving to Portland House on Taunton’s Blackbrook Estate in early September after agreeing a 10-year lease.
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Stephen Wray, who leads the firm’s commercial dispute resolution and Somerset team, said: “We are delighted with the progress we have made since moving onto the Blackbrook Estate in 2023, galvanising our links with the local business community and developing relationships with clients across the region, while supporting the wider community with everything from sponsored swims to gardening and reading in schools.
"Now is the time to establish our new long-term home in Portland House and we can’t wait to move in.”
Following the appointment of commercial property specialist Chris Twaits as partner, Stephens Scown says its new Bournemouth office will open by the end of the year.
Managing partner Richard Baker added: “This is an important step in our development as a leading South West law firm. It shows we are committed to our region and our communities, while also being able to deliver outstanding legal services to clients regionally and nationally.
"Our people are specialists in their respective legal fields, enabling our clients to navigate life’s personal and business challenges, to grasp opportunities and to thrive."
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Stephens Scown has also purchased the leasehold of its Exeter HQ - Curzon House - and carried out a refurbishment, as well as taking on the leasehold of Falcon House in Truro city centre.
New hires at the firm over the last year include Matt Huggett, Helen Williams, Nick Smith and Georgina Carter, and the business is now recruiting for a number of new roles in Somerset, it added.
Last year, each eligible employee was paid a record £4,685 profit share regardless of their role.