Left to right: Ronald Peet, Martin Powell and Stephen Woods
Oxford’s oldest law firm has merged with a leading South West law practice.
The merger sees Marshall & Galpin, which was established in 1782 and has offices in Oxford, Abingdon and Thame, come together with Withy King Solicitors, which operates out of Bath, Swindon, London, Marlborough and Trowbridge.
Marshall & Galpin has an established reputation for its private client work including all private property transactions, family law, and wills and trusts. Withy King has an equally strong reputation for private client work and the combined practice will enable the firm to build its reputation in these areas. Both firms are also highly regarded in the areas of clinical negligence and personal injury work.
The merger will provide an opportunity for Marshall & Galpin to expand its commercial practice across Oxford and the Thames Valley in areas such as corporate services, corporate work and commercial property work.
In addition, it will enable Marshall & Galpin to provide expert advice in other specialist sectors, including agriculture and rural property, the care homes sector, racing and bloodstock, technology and media and construction and property development.
Commenting on the merger, Stephen Woods, managing partner at Marshall & Galpin, said: “The merger with Withy King is excellent news for both our clients and staff. It provides an opportunity not only to expand, but to enhance our strengths.
“Both firms have a like-minded approach to provide a hands-on, personal service. It’s this sort of attitude both commercial and private clients have come to expect when it comes to legal representation and is exactly what we strive to provide.
“It will also enable us to develop services not previously available to Marshall & Galpin clients.”
With both Marshall & Galpin and Withy King focused on providing high-level, personal service for their clients, the cultural fit of both firms is regarded as being key.
Martin Powell, managing partner at Withy King, said: “At Withy King we are constantly looking for opportunities to grow and expand our client base across the South of England, particularly in and around the M4 corridor.
“We’re delighted to merge with Marshall & Galpin to create a firm that has over 300 staff in key locations in the Thames Valley and M4 corridor. It provides a dynamic practice that can respond to the exacting demands of modern law and one that will provide both private and commercial clients with expert legal advice.”
