Birketts, a UK Top 50 law firm, has completed its planned merger with Kent and London based Batchelors Solicitors.

The merger sees the firm’s headcount increase to over 1,000 and marks the next step in Birketts’ impressive growth trajectory. Having achieved consistent year-on-year growth in the last four years, joining together with Batchelors has strengthened the firm’s London team, while also extending the firm’s reach further into the South East.

A mark of this expansion is the news that Birketts has now opened its sixth office. Based in Sevenoaks, the new Grade A premises will accommodate 32 colleagues and has been fully equipped with spacious co-working areas and the latest technology.

Jonathan Agar, Chief Executive at Birketts said: “We’re delighted to have completed our merger with Batchelors Solicitors. The Batchelors team has slotted seamlessly into the firm, and we are excited about what the future holds as we work together to offer our full-service brand of legal expertise to an ever-increasing client base.

“Just as exciting is the opening of our sixth office in Sevenoaks. This new base is a pivotal moment in the firm’s history, enabling the expansion of our reach across the South East.”

Jeanette Wheeler, Partner and Head of Employment and Immigration at Birketts, who is leading the expansion into the South East said: “I’m excited to be bringing our client-centric, professional and collaborative brand of legal advice to the people and businesses of Kent and beyond. This is an extremely positive time for the firm, and we’re looking forward to welcoming new colleagues and clients to the Birketts family.”

The scope of Birketts’ offering in Sevenoaks will initially include:

–       Property (commercial property, residential property and conveyancing, housebuilders, and social housing)

–       Construction

–       Corporate and commercial

–       Employment

–       Dispute resolution and litigation (property litigation, contentious trust & probate)

–       Agriculture and landed estates

–       Public sector

The firm plans to expand this on the ground capability across a number of areas during the course of the year. This will include services for banking and finance, amongst others.

For more information on Birketts, visit birketts.co.uk.