Moore Blatch and Barlow Robbins tie up

Blatch and Barlow Robbins have today (5 March) announced they will merge to form Moore Barlow as of 1 May.

Moore Blatch managing partner Ed Whittington will be the managing partner of the new firms, while Barlow Robbins chairman Helen Goatley will become chairman of the new entity (both pictured).

The merger has been approved unanimously by the two firms’ respective partnerships and will comprise 70 partners, 272 lawyers and legal professionals, and a total staff of nearly 500 across six UK offices.

Moore Barlow will have a combined turnover of just less than £40m and form a regional firm with expertise across disciplines such as private client, clinical negligence and property.

It will have offices in Southampton, Guildford, Woking and Lymington, as well as two locations in London (Richmond and the City).

The firm will be focused primarily on private individuals and families, owners and managers of fast-moving organisations and businesses, and people whose lives have been affected by serious accidents or negligence.

The combined firm will also be the sole UK legal advisor within Ecovis, an international network of more than 7,500 lawyers, accountants and consultants with capability around the globe.

Whittington said: “By combining our respective and highly complementary areas of expertise within a culture of excellence and support, we will be one of very few firms with the breadth, depth and resources to meet all the needs of our core client groups.”

Goatley added: “Today’s top talent also want the right mix of a stimulating, rewarding career alongside a fulfilling work-life balance, an experience which we feel Moore Barlow will be uniquely suited to offer, and from which our clients can only benefit.”