LAW firms Everys Solicitors LLP and Crewkerne-based Stokes Partners LLP have announced the merger of their two firms today (Friday, November 25).

The newly merged firm will operate as Everys Solicitors incorporating Stokes Partners and will be led by Everys’ managing partner James Griffin.

The firm has over 140 staff, including 17 partners, and is spread over eight locations throughout East Devon, Somerset and London.

The merger combines the skills and expertise of two prominent South West based law firms whose shared practice areas and specialisms expand the legal support provided to individuals and businesses locally and beyond the South West.

The firm recognises the importance placed on providing a personal service to clients, whether an individual or a business.

The continued investment and improvement in its IT infrastructure and communications allow the firm to provide specialist legal advice to clients wherever they are based.

Commenting on the merger, Mr Griffin said: “When considering firms to merge with, we looked for a firm whose strengths complemented ours, whose culture, values and philosophy were similar to ours, and whose goals matched ours.

"In Stokes we have found the perfect partner and we are very excited at what the future holds for our combined firms.”

David Stokes, Stokes’ senior partner, said: “This is a strategic merger which will benefit our clients through the integration of our complementary practice strengths; the expansion of established practice areas will enable us to deliver exceptional value to our clients.

"We are very pleased to have successfully merged with Everys and we look forward to getting to know our new colleagues and working with them.”

Everys Solicitors was established over 200 years ago in Honiton, Devon, and served the local rural community.

It has since grown to become a leading general practice law firm in the South West serving a diverse clientele locally, nationally and internationally.

Stokes Partners was founded by David Stokes in 1998 and is a highly regarded law firm in Crewkerne and its surrounding areas.

The merged firm has offices in Crewkerne, Exeter, Exmouth, Honiton, Seaton, Sidmouth, Taunton and London.