Office closures and redundancies following Shakespeares merger

MIDLANDS law firm Shakespeares is planning to make redundancies and to close three of its satellite offices following its merger with Harvey Ingram.

The firm says the changes are part of its plans to reshape the business for growth in a shifting legal services marketplace.

Shakespeares is consulting with 54 staff (13 lawyers and 41 back office staff) across the firm about potential redundancies spread across a number of offices. 

That breaks down as Leicester (27), Birmingham (six), Milton Keynes (four), Solihull (three), Nottingham (two) and Newport Pagnell (one).

The consultation also includes 11 roles at risk of redundancy across three satellite offices in Shipston on Stour, Moreton in Marsh and Bedford which will close at the end of the month.

Shakespeares says many of the lawyers and some of the staff in these locations will transfer to the local offices nearby at Stratford upon Avon or Milton Keynes.

It also stresses that the combined firm remains the second largest law firm spanning the Midlands and Home Counties, with 737 lawyers and staff.

Paul Wilson, chief executive at Shakespeares, said: “While we very much regret that redundancies are necessary, much is being done, as part of the consultation, to offer people potential opportunities across the firm as we reshape the business and close three of our smaller offices.

“In line with changes in our industry, economies of scale from our merger and the prevailing market conditions have led us to make efficiencies in our back office areas.

“The changes we are announcing will help to consolidate our market position and create a strong platform from which we can continue to expand the business and strengthen our Midlands-wide team of experts.

Following these changes, Shakespeares will operate from seven offices including Birmingham, Stratford upon Avon and Solihull.