Legal firms join forces in 'great fit' move

A law firm has expanded its Mansfield operation after joining forces with one of the town’s longest-established legal practices.

Banner Jones Solicitors has joined forces with Harrop White, Vallance & Dawson, whose roots in Mansfield date back to 1879, bringing the two legal teams together.

Founded by John Harrop White, Harrop White, Vallance & Dawson advises individuals, families and businesses across residential and commercial property, business law, wills and estate administration, family law and civil litigation.

Its team will initially remain at its existing Mansfield office before moving in November to join Banner Jones at larger premises on the junction of St Peter’s Way and Albert Street.

The combined practice will offer services spanning residential and commercial property, wills and probate, family and corporate law, care proceedings, dispute resolution, employment law and notarial services.

Bosses say existing Harrop White, Vallance & Dawson clients will retain access to their current lawyers while benefiting from Banner Jones’ wider range of specialist services and technology.

Charles Dawson, senior partner at Harrop White, Vallance & Dawson, said: “When a firm has been part of a town for nearly 150 years, you feel a real responsibility for what comes next.

“We wanted to find a firm that would value what we have built, look after our clients and provide a positive future for our colleagues. Banner Jones gives us that.

“Our clients will continue to deal with the people they know and trust, but we will now have a much bigger team behind us. 

“Whether they need expertise in another area of law, additional resources or the benefits of Banner Jones’ investment in technology, we will be able to offer them more whilst retaining the personal service they value.

“There is a strong cultural fit between the two firms, and we are excited about what we can achieve together.”

The deal comes amid continued expansion for Banner Jones in Mansfield, where it has operated since merging with Bilton Hammond in 2013.

The firm is also recruiting locally to increase capacity across its legal services and will continue its sponsorship of Mansfield Town Football Club as it pursues wider growth across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.

Matthew Maiden, executive director and senior solicitor at Banner Jones’ Mansfield office, added: “Harrop White, Vallance & Dawson has a fantastic heritage in Mansfield and will be a great fit with us.

“We share a similar approach to looking after clients and there is a real complement between our areas of expertise. 

“Bringing Charles and his colleagues on board makes an already strong Mansfield team even stronger.

“Our imminent move to larger premises gives us the space to grow. We are continuing to recruit and this is another important step forward.

“Equally, we know that the relationships Harrop White, Vallance & Dawson has built over generations matter to them and their clients. 

“We want to preserve those relationships while giving clients access to everything that comes with being part of a larger firm.”

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