EMG Solicitors, which has an office in Penrith, is set to join Fletchers Group, creating a dedicated Court of Protection and private client division.
Specialist Kent-based firm JE Bennett Law will join the group as part of the expanded EMG business and Fletchers Solicitors 30-strong Court of Protection team will also transfer into EMG Solicitors.
The combined practice will bring together more than 200 specialists across a national network of offices, operating under the EMG brand to create one of the largest and most experienced Court of Protection practices in the UK.
EMG will sit alongside Fletchers Group’s other specialist legal businesses, including Fletchers Solicitors, Rayden Solicitors, Blume and Medical Law Services.
The business will be led by EMG founder and CEO Emma Gaudern, who will join Fletchers’ management board.
It will continue to offer consumer legal services in residential conveyancing, wills and probate, and family law.
JE Bennett Law is led by founder and managing partner Jane Bennett, who will join the leadership team of the expanded EMG business.
Fletchers Group CEO Peter Haden said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Emma, Jane and their colleagues to be part of the group.
“EMG and JE Bennett Law are two highly impressive, respected firms with deep expertise in Court of Protection and private client work.
“Bringing these teams together creates a specialist practice with real depth across the full spectrum of Court of Protection services, ranging from complex financial management and deputyships to high-value estates and trusts.
“It will also provide a full-service health and welfare offering, supporting clients on some of the most complex health and care decisions, education law matters and continuing healthcare challenges.”
Emma said: “During discussions with Peter and the team it quickly became apparent that Fletchers Group will be the best possible partner for our people and our clients.
“Being part of a progressive, growth-focused group will help EMG, JE Bennett Law and Fletchers’ Court of Protection team to create a powerful, nationwide force in Court of Protection and private client services.”
The expanded EMG business will operate independently of Fletchers Solicitors.
Emma added: “We will also ensure that any Court of Protection clients introduced to EMG by external firms will not be represented by or referred to Fletchers under any circumstances.”
Both deals have received regulatory approval and the consideration is undisclosed.
