Member Article

Newcastle law firm reveals merger plans with Bristol insurance specialists

Newcastle law firm DWF has announced it will merge with Bristol-based Fox Hartley, a firm specialising in insurance law, as of May 3 this year.

DWF believes the linkup will strengthen its insurance, litigation and product liability capability, enhance its sector expertise and help secure new domestic and international insurer clients.

It is anticipated that all of Fox Hartley’s people will join DWF, including its three partners Trevor Fox, Michael Hitchings and Peter Barnes.

The firm, which employs a total of 16 people including three partners, has significant experience in delivering specialist litigation and alternative dispute resolution services for major insurer and manufacturer clients, including a number of shared clients with DWF.

The merger will support DWF’s growing focus on the Lloyd’s insurance market and enhance the firm’s delivery of high value commercial litigation work, while Fox Hartley will benefit from DWF’s scale, operational efficiency and international reach.

Adam Heather, Executive Partner in Newcastle, said: “Fox Hartley has excellent litigation and insurance specialists with niche expertise that will complement our existing teams and sector expertise and help us secure new clients. This merger presents significant advantages and opportunities for both firms, our people and our clients.”

Dr Trevor Fox, Managing Partner of Fox Hartley, added: “This merger gives us the scale, geographic reach and resources to support our growing client base, and DWF’s innovative approach to client service makes the merger a strong cultural fit for our people and beneficial for our clients.”