Beaumont Legal snapped up by US legal brand

The acquisition of Wakefield-based Beaumont Legal by LegalZoom is expected to be completed by the end of the year subject to regulatory approval. LegalZoom UK is preparing to launch in 2016. Beaumont Legal currently offers a range of legal services to individuals and businesses.

Craig Holt, chief executive at LegalZoom UK, said: “We’re building a unique next generation law firm, from the ground up, with a singular, relentless purpose: to best meet the needs of consumers and businesses in the modern era. This requires the perfect blend of technology, lawyers, and other expertise, and Beaumont Legal is an important piece of that jigsaw.”

Nick Masheder, managing partner of Beaumont Legal, said the acquisition would prove to be a catalyst for the start of a recruitment drive at the firm. Mr Masheder said: “This is an unparalleled opportunity to join with the most innovative, well-known legal brand in the world.

“We’re also looking forward to considerably adding to our existing capabilities with forward-thinking, innovative individuals who want to be part of something truly special.”

Earlier this year Beaumont Legal announced its own in-house training academy to enable it to plug the skills gap in its conveyancing department. The firm currently has over 160 employees including four partners. Mr Masheder told The Yorkshire Post that with their two offices they had capacity for the head count to potentially reach 260.

A spokesman for Beaumont Legal confirmed that the training academy will continue and that the four partners will stay on. It is not known yet whether Beaumont Legal will rebrand following the acquisition by LegalZoom.

The two firms had been in discussion about a possible acquisition since spring.

Mr Holt said: “We’re meticulously and patiently building something the likes of which has never been seen in the legal market - and remain open to other acquisition opportunities to further that aim.

“Our consumer and business clients deserve only the very best and we’re going to make sure we take the time to deliver just that.”