Four legal professionals have acquired North East and North Yorkshire law firm Clark Willis Solicitors and unveiled plans to develop it into a full-service practice.
Angie Papprill, Robyn Carroll, Vicky John and Emma Huscroft have taken ownership of the firm, which employs around 34 people across offices in Darlington and Northallerton.
The new owners plan to build on Clark Willis’ existing family law, residential property and private client services while expanding its offering to both individuals and businesses.
As the first stage of the strategy, Clark Willis has established a litigation department led by Angie Papprill, supported by a Consultant and legal secretary, with further recruitment planned as demand grows.
The firm also intends to introduce services including employment law, corporate law and commercial property as part of its longer-term ambition to become a full-service practice.
The acquisition provides continuity for Clark Willis’ existing clients and employees, with two of the former directors remaining with the firm as employees and the third continuing as a Consultant.
The four new owners have worked together in different capacities over a number of years and will use their existing professional networks across the North East and North Yorkshire to support the firm’s growth.
Robyn Carroll said: “Clark Willis has an excellent reputation, an established client base and, most importantly, a really talented team of people.
“We saw a fantastic opportunity to build on those foundations and take the firm into its next stage of development.”
Angie Papprill added: “The launch of our litigation department is the first step, and our longer-term ambition is to develop Clark Willis into a genuinely full-service law firm, with a much broader offering for businesses alongside its established services for individuals.”
The acquisition was supported by Chris Morgan and the team at Burnetts Solicitors, with accountancy and financial advice provided by Michael Cantwell of Clive Owen LLP. Funding was provided by NatWest, led by Dominic Duke.
Michael Cantwell, Corporate Finance Partner at Clive Owen LLP, said: “Clark Willis has built a strong reputation and an established position in the market, and this transaction represents an important next stage in its development.
“Under its new ownership, the firm is well positioned to build on these foundations and achieve continued success.”
Clark Willis will continue to operate under its existing name from its Darlington and Northallerton offices.
