Leicestershire-based Pattersons Commercial Law is the latest law firm to be bought by Nelsons.
Pattersons, which is based in Ratby, just outside Leicester, was founded seven years ago by Rik Pancholi and specialises in corporate and commercial work – particularly with owner-managed businesses.
The team will add its expertise to the existing Nelsons corporate and commercial team in Leicester’s New Walk, and bolster its dispute resolution, employment, insolvency and commercial property teams.
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Nelsons, which also has offices in Nottingham and Derby, is a £20 million turnover business, and was acquired by national law firm Lawfront on May 4, the day after its 40th anniversary.
It has grown through acquisition – which was how it launched in Leicester and Derby back in 2000. In 2020 it bought Leicester family solicitors and mediators Glynis Wright & Co.
A spokeswoman said: “This acquisition demonstrates Lawfront’s strategy of backing the management of leading regional law firms to achieve their own growth ambitions, both organically and by acquisition.”
Mr Pancholi, who is managing director at Pattersons, said: “An opportunity came up to explore joining Nelsons; a firm I trained and qualified with in 2008.
“I left Nelsons in 2011 when my family expatriated to Singapore for a couple of years and so when our discussions started, it reminded me that the culture of Nelsons is incredibly similar to that which we have created at Pattersons Commercial Law.
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“This move feels more like coming back home for me personally and into a space where I know our team will thrive and our clients will be incredibly well supported.
“That culture appears to be even stronger with Nelsons having become part of Lawfront and I can see our experienced and knowledgeable team will benefit from the greater resources provided by our Nelsons and Lawfront colleagues.”
Nelsons chairman Tim Hastings said: “I’m so pleased to welcome Rik back to Nelsons and to have his team become part of our dynamic Leicester office.
“Their skills perfectly complement the existing broad range of services we offer.
“Becoming a Lawfront firm has given us access to resources and additional expertise that will help us to realise our own bold growth plans, of which Pattersons Commercial Law is now a part.
“I’m confident that the larger combined team will be an asset to the business from day one and that they will be valued by colleagues and clients alike.”
Lawfront chief executive Neil Lloyd said: “We are very pleased to support Nelsons in bringing the Pattersons Commercial Law team into the Leicester office and the wider group.
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“The key to group success is backing our regional leadership teams to achieve their own growth ambitions. We look forward to working with Rik and his excellent team.”
Current Pattersons Commercial Law clients will be notified of the acquisition and any archived files, wills or deeds will be transferred to Nelsons for safekeeping.