Law firm announces expansion with new offices

Law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors has expanded with the opening of a new office in Dorchester town centre.

The firm said it has invested in the county town with the premises in Somerleigh Road, off Princes Street, to meet rising demand in the area.

Chris Pemberton, who is a partner in Wills, Trusts & Probate, is heading the full-service office with a dedicated team of staff.

It is 178-strong Ellis Jones’ eighth office and strengthens its footprint in Dorset, Hampshire and London.

Ellis Jones managing partner Nigel Smith, said: “Dorchester is a growing town with strong community values which match our own.

“Chris has been steadily building our client base in the area over the past four years and we believe that now is the perfect time to set up our new office as the logical next step.

“As a law firm, we think it is important to have an office in the heart of the county town, rather than being located on the outskirts of the town, to fill a gap and best serve the people and businesses of Dorchester and the surrounding area.

“We pride ourselves at being at the centre of the community and we look forward to playing our part in Dorchester’s continued growth and success.”

There will be dedicated lawyers heading up different services at the office. Departments include banking, finance and gambling; business services; criminal; dispute resolution; employment; family; fertility; insolvency and restructuring; intellectual property; LGBT; personal injury; residential and commercial property; sport; and wills, trusts and probate.

Its investment in the Dorchester office follows expansion in 2023 with the acquisition of Wimborne-based Scott Walby.

Ellis Jones also has offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Wimborne and Swanage as well as Ringwood in Hampshire and Fleet Street in London.