DWF bolsters local authority practice with Watmores merger

DWF has bolstered its local authority practice after agreeing to merge next month with niche insurance practice Watmores.

Based in Chancery Lane, Watmores’ clients include 13 London boroughs. The £2.5m turnover firm has five partners and directors and employs 26 staff, who will all move to DWF’s office in the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building.

DWF said the move supported its strategic growth plans in London and nationally.

“It is expected that through its merger with Watmores, DWF will become one of the UK’s largest law firms for local authority work,” it added. DWF already acts for more than 40 local authorities and their insurers nationally.

Andrew Leaitherland, DWF’s Managing Partner & CEO, said: “Watmores has first-rate niche expertise which complements, and will add depth to, our own enabling us to deliver enhanced service to our existing clients and also to grow our client base of insurers, local authorities and rail operators.”

Partner Simon Johnson from Watmores adds “Combining forces with DWF will enable us to capitalise on the firm’s infrastructure, tech capability and reach to strengthen our shared focus and capability in key industry sectors for the benefit of our clients, a significant number of whom we have in common.”