Shoosmiths Divests Private Client Business to Rothley Law in Strategic Move
Rothley Law Acquires Shoosmiths’ Private Client Business in Strategic Move
In a significant development within the legal sector, Shoosmiths has announced the transfer of its entire private client business to the Midlands-based law firm, Rothley Law, for an undisclosed sum. This strategic move, financed by litigation funder Harbour, marks a pivotal moment for both entities involved.
The transaction sees a 41-strong team, led by esteemed partners Melissa Maple, Adam Draper, and Lucy Taylor, moving to Rothley Law. This team is renowned for its expertise in wealth protection, disputed wills and trusts, and Court of Protection matters. The decision comes on the heels of a comprehensive review by Shoosmiths last year, which concluded with the firm’s decision to exit the private client and family services sector.
Rothley Law, which was launched in May 2022 and is chaired by former Norton Rose Fulbright insolvency partner John Verrill, is part of the broader Rothley Group. This group also includes Money Redress, a specialist in financial services claims management. The acquisition is seen as a significant step in Rothley Law’s ambition to become a nationally recognized consumer brand.
John Verrill expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “This is a significant milestone in the development of Rothley Law as we seek to build a nationally recognised consumer brand. The Shoosmiths team is extremely well-regarded amongst clients and through its collaborative work with other advisers, and we are looking forward to working with the team in innovative ways to grow and develop the firm.”
With over 20 years of experience advising high net worth clients, Melissa Maple will lead the private client team at Rothley. She joined Shoosmiths in 2016 from Oxford law firm Hedges Law. Adam Draper, specializing in claims under the Inheritance Act 1975, and Lucy Taylor, focusing on clients lacking capacity to manage their own affairs, will bring their considerable expertise to Rothley, having both previously been with Shoosmiths.
The newly acquired team will operate out of Rothley’s offices across Birmingham, Leicester, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, and Reading. Rothley Law also has plans to expand its consumer law offerings, with new office openings in Bristol and Leeds slated for later this year, alongside further acquisitions.
Ellora MacPherson, managing director and chief investment officer at Harbour, highlighted the significance of this acquisition, stating, “This is an example of how Harbour is providing flexible financial support to law firms. Unlike many traditional lenders, our capital can be used for multiple purposes – in this case, for an acquisition.”
This move by Shoosmiths to divest its private client business reflects a broader trend within the legal industry, where firms are increasingly focusing on core areas of practice. This strategic realignment allows firms like Rothley Law to enhance their service offerings and expand their market presence, signaling a dynamic shift in the legal landscape.
As the legal sector continues to evolve, such acquisitions underscore the importance of adaptability and strategic planning in achieving long-term success and growth within the industry.