ONE of Poole’s leading law firms is to merge with another business in a deal which will create one of the biggest practices in the region.

Dickinson Manser, which has offices in the town centre and Broadstone, is joining with Trethowans.

The new business will operate under the name of Trethowans, which has offices in Southampton and Salisbury.

The two firms’ clients include international and national household brand names, owner-managed businesses, entrepreneurs and major regional employers, as well as individual clients.

Trethowans has been in practice for nearly 150 years and has 22 of its lawyers ranked by independent industry body Chambers.

Dickinson Manser senior partner Gary Pick said: “Trethowans operates with values that match our own and by joining forces we will be able to offer an even greater depth of expertise to clients. As a team we remain committed to providing the best possible legal advice to both private individuals and commercial enterprises.”

Trethowans managing partner Chris Whiteley, who will continue in his role, said: “We’re delighted to announce the merger with Dickinson Manser, which is a well established and respected practice. The deal comes just five months after Trethowans expanded into new Southampton offices and operating in a third location is key to the ambitious plans we have for the future.”

Dickinson Manser has said its history probably started in the mid-1700s. Thomas Parr ran a practice from 1768-1824 in Poole’s Fish Street, where Old Orchard stands today.

Another Poole solicitor, Henry William Dickinson, took over the property and the business and put his name in place of Parr’s. The current site in Parkstone Road was acquired in the 1960s.

A recent Dickinson Manser newsletter said the firm had been “actively involved in Poole life for over two and a half centuries”.

It added: “The past partners of the firm have always been involved in civic matters and were major contributors to local charities and institutions and this remains the case today. Be it the co-sponsorship of the Great Wessex Dinner, the firm’s long association with Julia’s House, providing care for terminally ill children, the sponsorship of local artistic and musical events at the Poole Lighthouse, the creation and support of the Brownsea Island Trust, Dickinson Manser’s involvement is considerable and ongoing.”