Deal creates dedicated Court of Protection division

An award-winning North East law firm is set to expand its national reach after agreeing to join a leading legal group.

EMG Solicitors, headquartered in Durham, has agreed to join Fletchers Group as part of a deal that will establish a dedicated Court of Protection and private client division. 

The agreement also includes the addition of Kent-based JE Bennett Law and the transfer of Fletchers Solicitors’ 30-strong Court of Protection team into the EMG business.

The combined operation will bring together more than 200 specialists across a national network of offices, including locations in Durham, Newcastle, Darlington, Penrith, Manchester, Reading and Tunbridge Wells. 

Operating under the EMG brand, the enlarged practice will position itself as one of the most experienced providers in the UK.

As an independent specialist, EMG has built a strong reputation in Court of Protection work and will now benefit from Fletchers Group’s scale, access to capital and ongoing investment in technology to support future growth.

It will sit alongside Fletchers Group’s other specialist legal businesses, including Fletchers Solicitors, Rayden Solicitors, Blume and Medical Law Services.

The firm will continue to offer a wider range of consumer legal services, including residential conveyancing, wills and probate and family law, alongside its specialist provision.

EMG’s founder and chief executive Emma Gaudern will lead the expanded division and join Fletchers Group’s management board, while JE Bennett Law founder Jane Bennett will become part of the leadership team.

Emma said: “During discussions with Peter and the team it quickly became apparent that Fletchers Group will be the best possible partner for our people and our clients. 

“Being part of a progressive, growth-focused group will help EMG, JE Bennett Law and Fletchers’ Court of Protection team to create a powerful, nationwide force in Court of Protection and private client services.

“Consolidation in the legal sector is accelerating and we are excited to be a part of this significant shift in our industry, with support and backing from Fletchers to re-set our ambitious growth plans, both organic, from our increase in scale, and inorganic, as we would love to speak to other firms looking to take advantage of the new opportunities in this evolving market.” 

Emma added: “The expanded EMG business will operate independently of Fletchers Solicitors with clear professional boundaries; appropriate information safeguards will remain in place, ensuring confidentiality and protecting sensitive commercial information.

“We will also ensure that any Court of Protection clients introduced to EMG by external firms will not be represented by or referred to Fletchers under any circumstances.”

Jane added: “Both Fletchers and EMG share our passion for helping vulnerable people, and the new expanded business will provide us with the opportunity to reach far more clients across the country needing our specialist help.  

Fletchers Group chief executive Peter Haden added: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Emma, Jane and their colleagues to be part of the Group.

“EMG and JE Bennett Law are two highly impressive, respected firms with deep expertise in Court of Protection and private client work. 

“Bringing these teams together creates a specialist practice with real depth across the full spectrum of Court of Protection services, ranging from complex financial management and deputyships to high-value estates and trusts.

“It will also provide a full-service health and welfare offering, supporting clients on some of the most complex health and care decisions, education law matters and continuing healthcare challenges.

“This is a significant step forward in strengthening our private client capabilities and reflects our Group strategy of scaling up and building expertise across the different areas of civil justice – expanding from our roots in serious injury and clinical negligence and into complementary areas of law.”

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