Ellisons Solicitors is announcing a merger with Ipswich-based law firm, Blocks Solicitors. The merger which came into effect on 1st April 2020, will see Ellisons expand its expertise in a range of service offerings as well as gaining a second office in the town.
The new office, which is located on Arcade Street, will carry a new name – Ellisons Solicitors incorporating Blocks.
Ellisons has been keen to expand its presence in Ipswich, particularly in the town centre, since establishing its successful base at Wherstead Park six years ago. Fundamental to its success is Ellisons’ commitment to delivering excellent and transparent customer service from start to finish; an ethos which is shared by Blocks.
Both Ipswich offices have existing business and personal service teams, specialising in a variety of areas including; Agriculture, Wills, Trust and Probate, Employment and HR, Corporate and Commercial, Commercial Property, Dispute Resolution and Residential Property.
Established in 1890, Blocks Solicitors is one of the leading law firms in Suffolk and will bring a high level of complementary expertise into the Ellisons ‘fold’. Current Equity Partners at Blocks, Andrew Fleming and Frances Barker, will continue as Partners.
Andrew, who specialises in corporate and commercial as well commercial property, is a trusted adviser to many long-established clients and also acts for a national lender in their security work. He has been listed in the Legal 500 being referenced as a key figure at Blocks and a highly experienced practitioner.
Meanwhile Frances specialises in employment law, handling both contentious and non-contentious employment issues for both employers and employees. Frances has experience in a wide variety of environments including a range of private businesses, the City of London, education, agriculture and local government. She has also been listed in the Legal 500 and has been referred to as a ‘highly-rated practitioner’.
Guy Longhurst, Managing Partner at Ellisons, said: “We are delighted to announce our merger with Blocks Solicitors. Merging with such a reputable firm perfectly reflects Ellisons’ ethos of traditional values with modern, innovative working, providing our clients with the highest possible standard of service. This is of course an extremely challenging time for everybody, but Ellisons has helped its clients and colleagues through various crises during its 250 year history, and now look forward to supporting the clients, colleagues and contacts of Blocks.”
Commenting on the merger, Andrew Fleming added: “There is a lot of synergy between Ellisons Solicitors and Blocks, and our service offerings and firm cultures are a near perfect match. I very much look forward to seeing what the future holds for Ellisons Solicitors incorporating Blocks, and its talented team.”
