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Hull-based Williamsons Solicitors has acquired a city criminal law practice in a move described as a “real coup”.

Amber Solicitors LLP has become part of the 133-year-old firm, with founders Ian Phillip and Richard Fowler having led the business since its incorporation in 2008. It is a move described by them as creating East Yorkshire’s most experienced defence advocacy team.

Acting head of Williamsons’ criminal law department, Marc Pollard, said that clients from the two firms would benefit from the enhanced combination of skills and experience.

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“Both Ian and Richard have a fantastic reputation and they will fit in perfectly as we have a shared ideology and an established relationship through many years of working in Hull and surrounding areas,” he said. “It’s a real coup for us and we are very excited to have them on board.”

Richard Fowler and Ian Phillip were operating from The Deep Business Centre, less than half a mile from Williamsons’ Lowgate offices. The acquiring team said they “rapidly gained a reputation for challenging authority and fighting for the underdog”.

Mr Phillip was one of the youngest solicitor advocates in the city, and has worked on many high-profile cases, with Mr Fowler mainly working “at the coalface” of criminal law.

He said: “We are very proud of our reputation, so it was important that we became part of an equally well-respected and principled firm. It will also provide Ian and I with the opportunity to give back a little by helping a new generation of criminal lawyers through Williamsons’ excellent training schemes.”

Mr Fowler added that joining Williamsons would allow for expansion and the ability to provide clients with ‘global’ representation through Williamsons’ wide range of law services.

Neil Waterhouse, Williamsons’ operations director, said that growth of criminal law departments was uncommon in the current era of cuts to legal aid. “With the acquisition of Amber, we now have combined expertise which is unrivalled locally,” he said. “We provide an essential service to people who are in urgent need of expert legal representation, and it is vital that we ensure its longevity through smart ways of working and providing career opportunities.”

Williamsons, with further offices in Driffield and Bridlington, saw a 24 per cent increase in revenues in its last financial year, to February 2022, growing from £5.5 million to £6.9 million. Completion of the deal sees it now employ 125 people.