Gooldens merges with Lincolnshire's Wilkin Chapman

Niche public sector firm Gooldens has merged with Wilkin Chapman, one of the largest firms in Lincolnshire.

Jonathan Goolden founded his eponymous firm in 2004 after a spell as clerk to Lincolnshire Police Authority. He has also held roles at Doncaster MBC, where he was a principal legal officer and member of the internal inquiry team that investigated corruption at the council, as well as Derbyshire Dales District Council and Rotherham MBC.

His work includes undertaking investigations of complaints of misconduct against public officials.

Goolden said: “We are now able to offer public sector clients additional specialist services. They can expect to receive the same high level of expertise but with the support of a full range of lawyers offering expert advice on employment, corporate and commercial, commercial property, debt recovery and insolvency, housing, litigation, judicial review and regulatory issues.”

Julia Whittaker, Wilkin Chapman’s chief executive, said the combined firm acts for over 70 local authorities and London boroughs as well as housing associations and universities across the country.

She adde: “The amalgamation brings together both firms’ respected expertise in these areas, enabling us to offer a complete legal service to clients.”