Two become one: long-standing legal firms join forces from today

Laceys Solicitors has joined forces with Horsey Lightly Fynn as of today, with the merged businesses taking the Laceys name.

The firms said the merger would create a “significant presence in the legal market in Bournemouth”.

They said the merger would create a “greater strength and depth of experience in all major practice areas” across the firm and would expand the areas of expertise that Laceys could offer clients.

Laceys said Horsey Lightly Fynn’s well-established planning and licensing departments were “great assets” for its portfolio.

Laceys will now have more than 100 staff, including 13 partners, largely based at the Bournemouth office, providing “a concentrated hub of expertise in one location”.

Tony John of HLF said " We have known the partners of Laceys for many years with whom there is a mutual trust and respect and I'm delighted to be working with them to develop the merged firm to the mutual benefit of our respective clients."

Managing partner Mark Timberlake said ‘We are very proud of this merger as we are welcoming the entire team from HLF into our Bournemouth office.

“They bring with them a wealth of knowledge and skills and share our passion to provide clients with a high-grade modern service in a personal manner.’

Laceys, whose head office is in Poole Road, Bournemouth, was founded in 1860 and is active in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

It was included in the Legal 500 guide to the industry, mentioned particularly under corporate and commercial law, commercial property, personal tax, trusts and probate, family law and property litigation.

Horsey Lightly Fynn, based in Bournemouth with meeting facilities in Oxford, became known for its specialism in planning, licensing, property, employment, safety and dispute resolution.

The Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession and Legal 500 both ranked it as a leading firm, with particular knowledge of licensing, planning, property, regulatory and environmental work.