£2m turnover law firm expands by snapping up wills and probate specialist

Solicitors practice Ridley & Hall is continuing its Yorkshire expansion with the acquisition of private client firm, Bashforth-Young.

Huddersfield-based Ridley & Hall has seen significant growth in recent years, with turnover growing to over £2m in 2017/2018 following a number of lateral hires and an increase in clients.

In 2018 the firm opened an office in Leeds enabling it to accommodate three new partner appointments and to broaden its Yorkshire base. It now employs 71 people.

The practice specialises in family, private client and property law, serving clients in the region and across the UK. The acquisition of Pontefract firm Bashforth-Young further strengthens its offering, as its addition is known for its expertise in Wills, Probate, Court of Protection, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Trusts and Tax.

Following the deal, the Pontefract team will be joined by new family and property law colleagues at their premises in Low Gate, South Elmsall in the Five Towns area. Founder Lynsey Bashforth joins Ridley and Hall as a partner.

Emma Pearmaine, Managing Director of Ridley & Hall, said: “Our strategy for growth cannot be achieved purely organically, so we are now actively seeking to make complementary acquisitions.

“The Pontefract firm established by Lynsey Bashforth has built a great reputation as a specialist in private client work. Clients were increasingly asking for assistance in other areas of law, for example, matrimonial and property matters, which were previously outside the firm’s expertise.

“It therefore made perfect sense to join Ridley & Hall, enabling Bashforth-Young to deliver a broader suite of services to a very loyal client base. Culturally it is a great fit and everyone is really excited about working together.”

Bashforth said: “I was looking to join forces with a firm of like-minded partners with a sound approach to business and a real passion for client service. This is what I found at Ridley & Hall, so I could not be more delighted for myself, my staff and our clients.”