Law firm celebrates merger deal

HALESOWEN businesses have celebrated the merger of two law firms and welcomed in its new managing partner.

At an event at Old Halesonians Rugby Club, the newly created Challinors White & Billingham toasted its future success over lunch.

The merger comes as a result of a deal struck last year which saw Midlands stalwart Challinors acquire White & Billingham Solicitors and Estate Agency.

The latter has done business in Halesowen for over 25 years and was its largest law firm.

The new company is also celebrating the elevation of managing partner Raj Bains, a specialist civil and commercial litigation solicitor, who joined Challinors as a trainee.

Since then Mr Bains has risen up through the ranks becoming an associate in 2006, and a partner in October 2009. He joined the Halesowen team at the end of last year.

“Today’s event marks the merger of Challinors with White & Billingham,” he said.

“I am very much enjoying the challenge of working at the Halesowen practice and with the practice’s team and the local community.

“The merger of the two firms last year presented the chance for Challinors to develop its strong links and roots with the Black Country, and the local community now enjoys access to a complete legal service for both individuals and businesses through its highly experienced region-wide legal team.”

Attending the lunch were members of the Challinors team, staff from the Halesowen office and member of the local business community.