Law firm makes acquisition

Regional law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors has acquired fellow south coast practice Scott Walby.

The deal strengthens Ellis Jones’ footprint in Scott Walby’s heartland of Wimborne and Poole, Dorset.

Adding a second Wimborne office to its existing East Street base complements Ellis Jones’ ongoing branch portfolio in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage and London.

And the move sees Scott Walby’s seven-person team transferring to join nearly 200 new colleagues, including specialist solicitors and other legal staff, employed by Ellis Jones.

The newcomers include Scott Walby partners John Bulpit and Malcolm Scott Walby who become partner and consultant solicitor of Ellis Jones respectively.

Both will continue to work from the now former Scott Walby office at Brooke House, Oakley Hill, Wimborne.

Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones managing partner, said: “This is a significant acquisition for us, offering a hugely attractive growth opportunity and strengthening our service proposition for clients.

“Malcolm is a commercial law specialist with a particular interest in company/commercial and employment law.

“Likewise, John is a well-regarded commercial property expert and brings with him a loyal client following of developers and property investors.

“We heartily welcome Malcolm, John and all their team on board.”

Malcolm, who is also a former president of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “This is an ideal way for our two firms to pool our legal experience and share in the success of a combined, full-service practice.”

Founded in 2005, Scott Walby is known for its specialisms in company and commercial law including employment issues, management buyouts and contracts as well as private and commercial property, wills, trusts and probate issues.

Ellis Jones’ last acquisition was a 23-year-old criminal and motoring law practice based in Bournemouth, JM Law, in 2016.