Fletchers adds Freeths’ specialist teams

A national legal services group has agreed a deal to strengthen its expertise in clinical negligence and Court of Protection services.

Fletchers Group has agreed to acquire the clinical negligence and Court of Protection teams from Freeths LLP in a deal that will see 42 colleagues join the business.

Under the agreement, Freeths’ clinical negligence team, which comprises of 21 people, will become part of Fletchers Solicitors, while the Court of Protection team will join Durham-headquartered EMG Solicitors, a standalone firm within Fletchers Group led by Emma Gaudern.

The incoming teams are based across Nottingham, Oxford and Derby and are recognised for handling complex, high-value cases. 

Together, they bring more than 530 active clinical negligence matters alongside a substantial Court of Protection caseload.

The clinical negligence division is led by Jane Williams and Carolyn Lowe, while Natasha Molloy heads the Court of Protection team.

Jane said: “I am excited to be joining Fletchers, recognised as one of the UK’s leading clinical negligence practices. 

“There is no doubt in my mind that Fletchers is the perfect home for both our team and our clients. 

“Our shared values and unwavering dedication to doing what is right for those we represent, many of whom have faced the most difficult times in their lives, make this transition a natural and positive step forward for everyone involved.” 

Natasha added: “I am pleased and excited to be joining Fletchers Group. 

“I am delighted that we will be working alongside the highly respected and experienced Court of Protection practitioners from EMG Solicitors, JE Bennett Law and Fletchers. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our team to be part of a nationwide force in Court of Protection, and we are confident that our values align as we come together to continue delivering exceptional outcomes for vulnerable individuals and their families.”

Karl Jansen, national managing partner at Freeths, added: “We are proud of the strength and reputation our clinical negligence and Court of Protection teams have built, and the high-quality work they deliver for clients.

“The market continues to evolve, and long-term success in these specialist areas increasingly requires scale, focus and sustained investment. 

“We are confident that Fletchers and EMG offer the right platform for our clients and our people, with the ambition and capability to support their continued growth.”

The move continues a period of expansion for Fletchers Group following recent additions including EMG, JE Bennett Law and Shoosmiths’ serious injury practice.

Following completion of the deal in June, Fletchers’ clinical negligence business will employ more than 400 people handling over 10,300 cases.

Fletchers Group chief executive Peter Haden added: “Our new clinical negligence colleagues will help reinforce our position as the UK’s largest clinical negligence practice, strengthening our support for clients with the most serious, life-changing injuries.

“The Court of Protection team adds significant depth to our national offering, enabling us to support clients across their full journey - from serious injury and clinical negligence cases through to lifelong Court of Protection support.

“These teams are a strong cultural fit for the Group, with a shared commitment to delivering excellent outcomes for clients, working collaboratively, and supporting our people to succeed.

“Together, we are building a market-leading group of specialist, independent firms, each focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for clients in their area of law, supported by the scale of the Group to invest in growth, technology and M&A.”

EMG’s Court of Protection and private client division will also grow to more than 300 colleagues.

Emma Gaudern, chief executive of EMG, which also has offices in Newcastle, Darlington, Altrincham, Penrith and Reading, added: “This is another important step in the continued growth of our Court of Protection business.

“Alongside our new colleagues from JE Bennett Law and Fletchers’ Court of Protection team, we are delighted to welcome the Freeths team to EMG as we continue to grow our specialist Court of Protection and private client business. 

“With more than 300 colleagues across the business, this gives us even greater strength and depth to support clients with long-term and complex needs.”

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