Two more Bristol law firms are to merge as the city’s legal landscape continues to shift under the weight of intense competition and far-reaching changes in the industry.
Established mid-tier firms Barcan Woodward and Kirby Sheppard will combine with effect from early next year, they announced this week. The firms said their combined practice, which will have seven offices across the city and around 140 staff, will “fill a significant gap in the marketplace between small and large law firms in Bristol”.
No office closures or redundancies are planned under the move. The firms have a number of shared specialisms, including family law, probate, conveyancing and personal injury. Kirby Sheppard also has expertise in employment law, while Barcan Woodward has a highly-respected and nationally recognised medical negligence division. 
The firms said the merger would provide a strong foundation on which to develop new practice areas. The firms predominantly work in the South West although both also have some national clients.
Pictured, from left: Bill Willcocks of Kirby Sheppard and Chris Miller of Barcan Woodward
The merger is expected to be confirmed this September and the new firm will launch next April. The name of the merged firm will be announced later this year.
Barcan Woodward was established in 1992 and has four partners – Andrew Dobie, Chris Miller, Richard Harries and Tom Powles. It has offices in King Street in Bristol city centre, Bedminster and Horfield.
Kirby Sheppard was launched in the 1960s and has offices in Queens Square, Clifton, Kingswood and Thornbury.
Barcan Woodward Managing Partner Chris Miller said: “There is a natural synergy between us and Kirby Sheppard. We are both well established, share a common ethos and have built strong reputations on our personal approach to client service.
“I believe that this is a perfect integration of two organisations. Combining our practice areas will enable us to balance and strengthen our teams, whilst offering further benefits and services through our additional expertise in medical negligence and employment law. I see Kirby Sheppard as the obvious partner with whom to build upon our previous successes.”
Kirby Sheppard Managing Partner Bill Willcocks added: “Both of our firms have a solid track record in delivering excellent client service and the added depth of experience that comes with this merger will be a tremendous asset, both to us and our clients.
“I am genuinely excited about growing our practice areas and increasing our knowledge bank, further expanding our ability to fully support our clients’ ever changing legal needs.”
The Legal 500 – the respected industry publication – last year described competition in the Bristol market as “extremely high”.
Mergers affecting Bristol law firms included the May 2013 tie up between Bond Pearce and market-leading North East firm Dickinson Dees to form Bond Dickinson and DWF’s link up with Fishburns.
However the city has also had an influx of new players, including international firm Simmons & Simmons, Exeter-based Michelmores, which acquired the Bristol office of Wilsons in November, and Cornish firm Follett Stock.
