Newcastle law firm acquire regional rival

Newcastle law firm Sintons has acquired another regional rival, in a move the firm says will create one of the strongest divorce and family law units in the North.

Lowthian Gray will relocate from its current Jesmond base into Sintons’ offices opposite St James’ Park, and founder Katharine Lowthian will become a Partner in Sintons.

Former Dickinson Dees Partner Katharine Lowthian revealed she has repeatedly declined offers from other law firms to merge, saying she chose Sintons because of its strong business client base and commitment to private clients.

She said: “We are delighted to be joining Sintons at such an exciting time of growth and expansion and accessing their wide range of capabilities and legal disciplines will enable us to provide essential services that a niche firm is unable to offer and will strengthen the excellent personal service we already provide – we know we are joining a firm which shares our commitment to clients.

“Last year was Lowthian Gray’s best-ever year, but it is now time to take the business to the next level. We are looking forward to joining a team of superb lawyers and creating a family law team which will stand out from the rest.”

Steve Freeman, head of the Personal and Family department at Sintons, said: “This is a fantastic move for both Sintons and Lowthian Gray. We have known Katharine for many years and she and her business are regarded in the highest possible terms. Working together as one family law department, we are confident we will achieve an unrivalled reputation.”

Lowthian Gray was formed six years ago, and last year recorded its most successful ever year, and is known for its client base of high net worth individuals, including entrepreneurs, business figures and high-profile sports-people.

Phil Ridley, practice director at Sintons, said: “After more than a century of organic growth, this is a milestone for Sintons in its history. It is a very exciting opportunity for us and again demonstrates our ambition to grow.

“Our expertise and client offering will be significantly strengthened through the addition of Lowthian Gray. Katharine is an outstanding family lawyer and the importance she and her team place on putting their clients first and providing a personal service fits exactly with Sintons’ ethos.”