Law firm in merger talks with London practice

John Schorah

National law firm Weightmans is in talks with RadcliffesLeBrasseur over a merger of the two firms, which it said could be completed by the end of March.

This follows the agreement of headline terms between the two parties.

John Schorah, managing partner at Weightmans – which has a base in Leeds – said: “The two firms share a number of synergies in respect of clients and sectors and, above all, a passionate commitment to achieving the highest standards in delivering legal services to their clients.

“The merger will add to both firms’ national practices with outstanding expertise and the resources to ensure that we continue to meet the ever increasing needs and expectations of all clients, large and small, whether public bodies, public or private businesses, not for profit enterprises or individuals.”

He added: “The merger will expand the existing support provided to the firms’ clients, as well as enhancing the capabilities across our core services.

“The combined firm will create a leading UK practice in healthcare in particular and increase the market presence of both firms in London. The merged firm will have 225 partners and a total headcount of over 1,400 people and will be known as Weightmans LLP.”

RadcliffesLeBrasseur has offices in London, Leeds and Cardiff.

It provides business, regulatory, not for profit and private legal advice and is listed as a leading firm in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners directories.

The firm was formed more than 170 years ago by John Alexander Radcliffe who practised as a sole practitioner until 1849 when the first partnership was formed, Edwards and Radcliffe, based in Westminster. Many members of the Radcliffe family practised with the firm until 1972.

Le Brasseur and Oakley was founded by Robert Le Brasseur and Thomas Oakley in 1881 and practised as an independent firm for 120 years, latterly as Le Brasseur J Tickle until the merger with Radcliffes in 2001 when the firm was named RadcliffesLeBrasseur.

Weightmans is a top 45 UK law firm, with more than 1,300 people working from offices in Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Newcastle.

Founded in 1827, the firm has grown from its Liverpool roots to become a national law firm.

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