Birketts to bolster social housing practice with Batchelors merger

UK Top 50 law firm Birketts is to merge with Kent and London-based Batchelors Solicitors, in a deal expected to complete on 31 March 2023.

The two firms said they shared “longstanding and deeply-rooted commitment” to the social housing sector.

Thaine Wilson, Managing Partner of Batchelors, said: “The merger of Batchelors and Birketts is truly pivotal in terms of the opportunities that it presents for future growth in our key market sectors of Social Housing, Commercial, Property and Private Client.”

The merger will also aid the expansion of Birketts’ geographical footprint to provide legal support on a larger scale in more parts of the country.

Jonathan Agar, CEO Birketts, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming the Batchelors team to the Birketts family.

“With shared specialisms and a business structure very similar to our own, we are confident that they will fit seamlessly, both commercially and culturally, into our full-service offering.”

James Austin, Senior Partner at Birketts, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to further our presence and expertise in London and beyond, whilst maintaining the personalised and friendly service that has made Birketts so successful. The Batchelors team will be a great addition to the firm and we look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

Mark Walkington, Senior Partner at Batchelors, added: “The strong traditions of both firms for providing quality forward thinking advice as well as the obvious geographical fit establishes an excellent base from which we can quickly establish Birketts as the first-choice legal firm for both businesses and individuals right across the South East region of London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.”

Lottie Winson