36 law
Guildford law firm merger benefits all
The merger of Guildford law firm Dawson Mason & Carr with TWM Solicitors in April appears to have more than a grain of common sense attached to it when you look at the wider issues affecting the legal market
The legal profession, a by-word for conservatism, is undergoing a structural change not seen in generations. The Legal Services Act is opening up the legal market to external competition for the first time. At the same time the costs of running a practice have increased with insurance premiums soaring, coupled with a more stringent regulatory regime. In short, it is harder now than ever for smaller practices to be economically viable.
Mark Carr, a partner at Dawson Mason & Carr, explains: “Our firm, located on the High Street in Guildford has been operating since 1979, providing an experienced and personal service to those people moving house in an around Surrey and SW London. We have a good reputation, based on the personal service element which has always been important for us.
“In recent years the reality has been that running our firm has meant having to run twice as hard just to stand still. Fixed overheads are rising particularly professional indemnity insurance. The value-added element of our core service,
conveyancing, is being eroded by volume providers exerting pressure on fees.
"In short, my fellow partner, Mike Dawson and I saw no quick end to this squeeze, so we concluded that for the benefit of our clients as well as for ourselves, we would be better off as part of a larger firm – assuming we could find one where the fit was right.”
TWM Solicitors have residential property lawyers in each of its six offices. Over the years we have dealt with TWM frequently and always found them to be an excellent firm providing an efficient service with a personal touch. They were one of the first names to be mentioned when we considered our options, plus I had the benefit of knowing the senior partner, Howard House, as we had been at University together and stayed in touch on and off in the 30+ years since.”
TWM managing partner, Patrick Stewart takes up the story: “We of course knew of Dawson Mason & Carr, but were not aware that they were looking to merge their practice until they approached
From left: Patrick Stewart, managing partner, TWM, Mike Dawson, Mark Carr and Howard House, senior partner, TWM
us. What became apparent from the early stages was just how uncomplicated Mark and Mike were to deal with. Putting together an agreement in principle took little time. What struck me was that if this was their approach to working with their clients, I understand why they get so much of their work from referrals and repeat business.
“We are confident the Dawson Mason & Carr team will fit well within TWM. I know from Mark that his clients understand the logic in the move, and see the possible benefits of receiving wider wealth management and planning advice from the TWM private client team. I fully expect if we can find other suitable practices that this good news story will not be one in isolation.”
Details: Patrick Stewart 01483-752700
patrick.stewart@
twmsolicitors.com
Richard Wilson Long acquires RWP Solicitors
Thames Valley and Kent-based law firm Richard Wilson Long Solicitors has announced its acquisition of RWP Solicitors in Pangbourne, adding a third office to its existing offering
Bryn Howell-Pryce, director of Richard Wilson Long, commented: “I am delighted that after a break of seven years, RWP Solicitors has returned to the Richard Wilson fold under our new name of Richard Wilson Long”.
Richard Wilson Long was formed by the merger of two firms, Richard Wilson & Co and Longs Solicitors. The original practice of Richard Wilson & Co was founded over 80 years ago and still maintains its reputation for integrity and sound professional legal advice.
Once part of the original Richard Wilson & Co firm, established in 1945, the Pangbourne office demerged in 2005 to form RWP Solicitors, and was relaunched as an incorporated body, RWP Solicitors.
The firm will now operate out of three offices across Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, Pangbourne, Berkshire and Tonbridge, Kent, offering a comprehensive range of legal services including residential conveyancing; landlord and tenant; wills and probate; trusts and tax, employment; disputes and debt collection; notarial services; divorce and family matters; mediation; accidents and personal injury; commercial law; and business.
Details: Bryn Howell-Pryce 01491-879100
bhp@richardwilsonlong.co.uk
www.businessmag.co.uk Bryn Howell-Pryce and the team at the Pangbourne office THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – APRIL 2012
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