Law firms merge

LAW firms Ramsdens Solicitors and Rice Jones have merged, creating the largest law firm in the Kirklees and Calderdale areas.

The newly merged firm will continue to be known as Ramsdens with 13 partners and a combined staff of 140.

Under the merger, staff at Rice Jones’ Halifax office will continue to operate from its premises in Harrison Road.

Ramsdens’ Paul Joyce will continue in his role as managing partner. David Hofton, of Rice Jones has become a partner and Robert Mackenzie has become a consultant in the newly merged firm.

Mr Joyce, said: “In light of current market conditions, I am delighted that we have been able to buck the trend and expand our team by joining forces with the well regarded Rice Jones, to create the largest firm in Kirklees and Calderdale.

“Our merger creates the opportunity to strengthen our team in Halifax whilst offering clients of the merged firm a broader spectrum of legal services and a greater depth of expertise.”

Established in the 1870s, Ramsdens is one of the most well-established firms of solicitors in the Kirklees and Calderdale area. 

Based in Huddersfield, it also has offices in Edgerton, Slaithwaite and Holmfirth.

In recent years Ramsdens has expanded into Calderdale following mergers with David Garsed & Co in Elland and Jubb Longbothams in Halifax.

Ramsdens offers specialist advice to business and private clients in the areas of corporate commercial, litigation, commercial property, employment, conveyancing, family law, personal injury, wills, probate and financial planning.

Rice Jones was established more than 150 years ago.