A deal bringing together two highly respected Northern legal firms has been agreed.
Cumbrian firm Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors has acquired Northumberland-based Nicholson Portnell Solicitors.
The acquisition strengthens Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors’ presence in the North East as it already has an office in Haltwhistle. The firm also has five offices across Cumbria with bases in Carlisle City Centre, Rosehill Industrial Estate in Carlisle, Cockermouth, Penrith and Brampton.
Peter Stafford, managing director of Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said: “Nicholson Portnell has been providing trusted legal and advice guidance to North East communities for decades and we are delighted that we have come to an agreement where we can combine the excellent services both legal practices provide for the benefit of our clients and our teams.
“This deal is a major milestone in both firms’ long histories and will bring many benefits through our shared values and our shared vision for the future.
“Joining forces with Nicholson Portnell will help strengthen our presence in the Tyne Valley and Northumberland and support and enhance the great work both teams carry out on a daily basis.”
Nicholson Portnell was formed in 2003 following the merger of law firms Nicholson Wood & Gregg and Portnell Ward & Rose.
Senior partner at Nicholson Portnell, Richard Nelson, was a partner with Portnell Ward & Rose prior to the amalgamation, and he said he was excited about the opportunities being associated with Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors would bring for Nicholson Portnell.
“We are delighted to be coming together with such a prestigious, well-established firm like Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, with whom our values and ethos are very much aligned,” said Richard, who will become a senior partner at Cartmell Shepherd.
“Cartmell Shepherd is passionate about the welfare of its staff and supporting career progression, and the importance placed on the well-being of its employees was a big factor in agreeing to join forces. This is an exciting development for Nicholson Portnell and we look forward to providing enhanced legal services to our clients from our iconic building in Hexham town centre.”
Nicholson Portnell currently employs 26 members of staff and will continue to operate from their Hexham office.
