Two North legal firms have joined forces to strengthen their services and expand their footprint.
Hexham-based Nicholson Portnell Solicitors has been acquired by Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors in a move its partners say will strengthen the services both law practices provide to their clients. Nicholson Portnell was formed in 2003 following the merger of law firms Nicholson Wood & Gregg and Portnell Ward & Rose.
Richard Nelson, senior partner at Nicholson Portnell who will now become a senior partner at Cartmell Shepherd, 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. We look forward to providing enhanced legal services to our clients.”
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The undisclosed deal strengthens Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors’ presence in the North East, where it already has an office in Haltwhistle, Northumberland. It employs more than 90 people across six offices, including bases in Cumbria, in Carlisle city centre, Rosehill Industrial Estate in Carlisle, Cockermouth, Penrith and Brampton.
Peter Stafford, managing director of Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said: “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 vision for the future.”
Nicholson Portnell currently employs 26 members of staff and will continue to operate from its Hexham office.