Manchester-headquartered law firm DWF expands with Belfast merger

Manchester-headquartered legal business DWF has revealed plans to merge with Belfast-based commercial law firm C & H Jefferson.

The deal will allow DWF to further develop its commercial and insurance offer, increase opportunities to enhance client services and broaden its existing sector capability, particularly across financial services and real estate.

As one of Northern Ireland’s biggest legal practices, C & H Jefferson has more than 100 years of experience delivering specialist legal services and is led by managing partner Ken Rutherford.

The firm’s commercial practice focuses in particular on the banking and finance sector, advising banks and financial and lending institutions across Northern Ireland. The company also provides specialist advice to insolvency practitioners.

Further, C & H Jefferson acts for Northern Irish, UK and international property developers, retailers and renewable energy operators.

Following the merger, C & H Jefferson’s Ken Rutherford, Ian Stanfield, Mark Tinman, Scott McCarroll and Gareth Jones will join DWF as partners, while David Lennon will become a consultant.

DWF’s Manchester executive partner, Kirsty Rogers, said: “As a firm we are always looking at strategic opportunities for growth that will enhance our legal capability in key practice areas and allow us to offer our clients advantages in terms of resource, reach and multi-jurisdiction expertise.

“The legal market in Northern Ireland is vibrant, and rapidly changing, and this merger makes us well-equipped to take advantage of the growing number of opportunities it presents in our target sectors.”

Ken Rutherford commented: “As our international client base has grown we have continued to explore how we can adapt in order to meet their changing needs.

“DWF is a very strong fit for us in terms of its culture and approach to legal services, and through this merger we will be able to create new opportunities for our clients with the benefit of DWF’s expansive national footprint, service efficiencies and growing international remit.”

The merger will be effective from next Thursday (December 1).