Legal quartet targets ‘next stage’ after acquisition

A North East and North Yorkshire law firm is embarking on a new chapter after being acquired by four legal professionals with plans to create a full-service practice.

Angie Papprill, Robyn Carroll, Vicky John and Emma Huscroft have taken ownership of Clark Willis Solicitors, which employs around 34 people across offices in Darlington and Northallerton.

The new owners plan to build on the firm’s established family law, residential property and private client services while expanding its expertise for individuals and businesses.

An immediate step has seen Clark Willis establish a new litigation department led by Angie, supported by a consultant and legal secretary, with further recruitment planned as demand increases.

Angie said: “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.”

Emma adds that longer-term growth will include developing services across employment law, corporate law and commercial property, with the aim of creating a full-service practice serving clients throughout the North East and North Yorkshire.

She added: “We have worked together for many years and there is a huge amount of trust between us. We want to bring that same collaborative approach to the wider firm, giving people opportunities to develop, encouraging ideas from across the business and creating a practice that people are proud to be part of.

“For existing Clark Willis clients, it is very much business as usual, but with an ambitious new team behind the firm and a clear strategy for its future.”

The acquisition also provides continuity for existing clients and employees, with two former directors remaining at Clark Willis as employees and a third continuing as a consultant.

All four new owners bring extensive legal experience and have previously worked together in various capacities, providing the business with complementary skills and established professional networks.

Clark Willis will retain its existing name and continue operating from its Darlington and Northallerton offices.

The new ownership team intends to use its relationships across both regions to grow the firm’s client base and broaden its offering.

Robyn added: “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.”

Vicky added: “We’re ambitious for the business, but we also recognise that growth has to be built on what Clark Willis already does exceptionally well. 

“Our immediate priority is to support the existing team, continue providing a high-quality service to clients and develop the areas where we can see clear opportunities to grow.”

The acquisition was supported by Chris Morgan and the team at Burnetts Solicitors, with Michael Cantwell, corporate finance partner at Clive Owen LLP, providing accountancy and financial advice.

Funding for the transaction was provided by NatWest, led by Dominic Duke.

Michael added: “We were delighted to advise on this transaction, which was a natural fit for our team given our extensive experience of working with professional services firms.

“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.

“We wish the new owners and wider team every success as they take the business forward.”

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