National full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau has completed its merger with historic Bristol firm GL Law – expanding its reach into the South West for the first time.
As part of the move, announced in May, GL Law will now operate under the Shakespeare Martineau brand.
Its Queen Square office has become the Shakespeare Martineau’s 11th across the UK while its London base has been closed and staff relocated to the Shakespeare Martineau office in the capital.
The merger adds than 60 people to the Shakespeare Martineau 1,000-strong headcount and £4.5m to its turnover, taking it to more than £100m for 2022/23 financial year.
Shakespeare Martineau said as well as giving it a gateway to the South West market via an office hub in Bristol, the merger would bolster its existing expertise, taking a tech-first approach, while further expanding its sector specialisms. It is also looking to recruit talent in the Bristol market.
Shakespeare Martineau is part of rapidly expanding legal and professional services group Ampa, which also includes consumer law firm Lime Solicitors, planning consultancy Marrons Planning, uninsured loss recovery experts Corclaim and cyber security consultancy CSS Assure.
The group has a ‘house of brands’ strategy of investing in and bolstering brands across the group’s portfolio to unlock their potential.
Shakespeare Martineau and Ampa CEO Sarah Walker-Smith said the strategy included a combination of introducing new standalone brands to the group or combining new teams or entities with its current leading brands.
“In the case of GL Law, its existing legal offering and its market, it made sense for it to join Shakespeare Martineau and expand the footprint of this brand within our group,” she said.
GL Law, which rebranded from its original name of Gregg Latchams nearly two years ago, was one of the UK’s oldest surviving legal practices.
GL Law managing director Richard Hill added: “What’s crucial for us is continuation of service for our clients and the best opportunities for our people – this merger offers both.
“We’ve been acting for owner-managed businesses, SMEs, start-ups and some of the most discerning private clients across the South West and beyond for more than 300 years and we look forward to continuing and extending this legacy under the Shakespeare Martineau brand.”
Pictured: Shakespeare Martineau and Ampa CEO Sarah Walker-Smith and GL Law managing director Richard Hill
