Legal briefs: Zebra LC; Boote Edgar Esterkin; Roberts Jackson; Darbys

SALE-headquartered consultancy Zebra LC has been appointed to carry out due diligence exercise as part of Neil Hudgell Solicitors’ multi-million pound acquisition of collapsed law firm Harris Cartier’s personal injury department.

Leeds and Hull-based personal injury specialist Neil Hudgell Solicitors acquired the London firm’s entire personal injury caseload following its collapse late last week.

Harris Cartier had failed to secure professional indemnity insurance by the deadline of 1st October set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and was forced into administration as a result.

Managing director of Zebra LC, Zoe Holland said: “This is a multi-million pound transaction which has required an extremely detailed understanding of how personal injury cases are valued, as well as an appreciation of the risks and opportunities inherent in any deal of this nature.

“Neil Hudgell Solicitors is one of the most acquisitive firms in the marketplace at the current time, and we are extremely pleased to have been instructed to provide specialist due diligence advice in such a high profile takeover.”

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MANCHESTER law firm Boote Edgar Esterkin has expanded into family law.

The new department will be headed up by Clare Ellison, who joins the firm as associate solicitor.

Ellison, formerly of Kirwans Solicitors has 12 years experience and will focus on all areas of family law, including divorce, financial matters, children, and prenuptial agreements. She will also be responsible for targeting new business and developing relationships with new and existing clients.

Clare Ellison, head of family Law, said: “I am delighted to be joining Boote Edgar Esterkin and launching the family law offering from their city centre based office. I am looking forward to using my expertise and skills to grow the department and build a well-established reputation for family law in the North.”

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WILMSLOW-based industrial disease specialist Roberts Jackson has been shortlisted at the British Legal Awards for an education and training initiative.

Co-director Karen Jackson said: “We are honoured to have been shortlisted for these prestigious awards for the third year running. Developing and training our staff is integral to the success of this practice.”

The firm has also been shortlisted for five awards at this year’s Personal Injury Awards including Practice/Operations Manager of the Year, two nominations for the Young Achiever of the Year, Claimant Lawyer of the Year and Claimant Team of the Year.

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DARBYS Solicitors, which has an office in Hale south Manchester, says it is confident of another good year.

Managing partner Simon McCrum said: “After 35% top line growth last year, we are delighted to see a further 30% growth this year up to the end of Q3. It’s all about profit of course, and cash – our net profit growth is ahead of growth in turnover, as it was last year, and cash is good too.

“Growth is across our private client and commercial divisions, and across our northern and southern operations. It’s heads down now for the last lap, and we are optimistic that we‘re going to have a strong end to the year”.

Darbys also has offices in Oxford and Colchester.