45 jobs under threat as Shakespeare Martineau begins redundancy consultation

BIRMINGHAM law firm Shakespeare Martineau is understood to be consulting staff over a new redundancy programme which could see up to 45 people leave the practice.

The move follows the merger of Shakespeares and SGH Martineau in May.

It is thought a number of synergies have been created as a result of the merger and the firm is looking to trim overheads.

Reports in the legal press said the redundancies were likely to centre on the firm’s business support group but could also include fee earners.

Quoting clients and markets director at Shakespeare Martineau, Jo Thornell, the reports said the firm had been conducting a business review which had highlighted the need to reduce the size of teams in certain areas.

It is understood the firm is hoping that all of the redundancies can be met on a voluntary basis.

The two firms confirmed they were in merger talks in May and the full merger followed a month later.

The deal created a new firm employing 900 people with a combined annual turnover of £75m.
 
With offices in Birmingham, Leicester, London, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Solihull, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sheffield and Brussels, the merger was expected to cement the firm as a dominant legal player not only regionally but nationally and internationally.

Each firm was said to have its own specialist sectors and, combined, the new offer was said to be “a compelling service” for both existing and prospective clients.