Leading Cornwall Firm Joins South West Heavyweight Foot Anstey
Major south west solicitors Foot Anstey and leading Cornish firm Hancock Caffin are merging to establish the largest law firm in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.
The new merged firm will be called Foot Anstey although in Cornwall the names of Foot Anstey and Hancock Caffin will be used.
Hancock Caffin has an outstanding reputation in Cornwall with 8 partners and 20 other lawyers and a total staff of 59.
The new combined firm with 38 partners and 230 lawyers and 133 support staff, will continue to develop in the South West offering businesses, individuals, families, charities and public sector organisations a comprehensive range of legal advice. Hancock Caffin brings specialist knowledge in the agricultural sector and Financial Services via their independent financial services company.
The merger, which takes effect from 1 December, is a significant step in Foot Anstey’s drive to become the premier full service law firm in the peninsula.
Managing partner Jane Lister said: “It is no secret that we wanted to establish a presence in Cornwall and we are delighted to link up with such a progressive partner in Hancock Caffin. They share our commitment to the south west and are appreciated for both the quality and cost effectiveness of their services.
“We want our clients to be the main beneficiaries of the merger. Local people should be able to “buy local” not just for their premium products but for their legal advice. Together we can provide a high quality and more comprehensive legal service to individuals and businesses in Cornwall”.
The merger with Hancock Caffin comes hard on the heels of Foot Anstey’s merger with Plymouth firm Serpell Eaton which takes effect on 1 October and is designed to strengthen the firm’s service to clients in one of its core cities, Plymouth.
Mark Chanter, Managing Partner of Hancock Caffin said
“The increasing complexity of the law means that clients need to access expertise in all fields from one provider. The merger will enable individuals and businesses in Cornwall to benefit from a wide ranging, cost effective quality service“.
“With Foot Anstey we will build on our mutual strength and deliver the best possible legal service in the South West”.
Both firms are keen participants and supporters of their local communities and together we will extend our commitment to the wider community in the South West.
The Legal 500 describe Foot Anstey as a “Regional Heavyweight” with its 40% growth in the past two years. The merger confirms its commitment to expansion throughout the South West via its current offices in Plymouth, Exeter and Taunton and now Truro.
