Teesside law firm Tilly, Bailey & Irvine has expanded into Sunderland with the acquisition of city centre practice Scanlans Solicitors.
The move brings about 15 staff of Scanlans into the TBI Law business which already employs about 200 people across offices in Stockton, Wynard and Barnard Castle. No job losses will result from the undisclosed deal.
TBI Law will now offer a wider range of services for businesses and individuals at the former Scanlans office on John Street in the Sunniside area of the city. Services will include personal injury, corporate and commercial law, and family law.
Neil Taylor, partner at TBI Law. said: "This marks an exciting new chapter for TBI Law. We have been serving communities since 1842 and our team is known for being dedicated to legal excellence whilst maintaining a strong client-focused approach, values very much aligned with family-owned Scanlans.
"We will be building on Scanlans' legacy while bringing our expertise and resources to offer new legal services to clients in the city."
TBI Law is one of the North East’s oldest law firms, having been established in Hartlepool back in 1842. The near 200-year-old firm prides itself on having a diverse workforce and a century ago it was one of the first firms in the region to appoint a female solicitor.
In more recent years, the firm has grown with increases in turnover alongside continuous investment in the business. It has legal experts in almost every key branch of criminal, commercial and family law. Meanwhile Scanlans was set up almost 40 years ago and has developed a specialism in criminal law.
The Sunderland office – which will be TBI’s fifth – will be headed up by Heather Bolton, who has also become a partner at TBI Law. Lynda Scanlan will remain at the base as office manager.
Ms Bolton said: "This is a wonderful new chapter for our team, but our clients can be assured that they will continue to be represented by the same staff who have always provided them with the exceptional service we’ve become known for across Wearside.
“It will also mean important new services for those clients, who will further benefit from the collective expertise available through TBI Law.”
