Yorkshire law firms merge

The new firm - hlw Keeble Hawson - will be one of the region’s biggest legal practices.

Hlw Commercial Lawyers has bases in Leeds and Sheffield, while Keeble Hawson has offices in Leeds, Sheffield and Doncaster.

A spokesman for both law firms said: “The development, taking effect from October 1, will create an even stronger team with a history of more than two centuries, providing legal services and a wealth of expertise in commercial, personal injury and private client practice areas. The practice will have a team of around 250.”

The merged practice will operate out of St James’ Row and Commercial Street in Sheffield, East Parade in Leeds and Princes Street in Doncaster.

Paul Trudgill, the managing partner of Keeble Hawson, said: “Hlw’s experience and ethos strongly reflects our culture and our commitment to quality and excellence. Bringing both firms together presents a great opportunity to build on the quality of support we offer already as a full service law firm to our clients now and in the future across Yorkshire, while maintaining the close client relationships that are at the heart of our approach.”

Ron Whitlam, Hlw senior partner, said: “The combined depth and breadth of knowledge and experience of both firms’ commercial teams enables us to advise wide-ranging businesses from the sole trader to quoted companies and financial institutions. There is also the added advantage of being able to provide our existing clients with a comprehensive range of legal services in areas where hlw does not currently operate.”