Hegarty hat trick! 

They say significant things happen in threes – and for Peterborough-based solicitors, Hegarty LLP, spring brought a triple whammy of good news...

The big item of news for Hegarty Solicitors this spring has been the merger with Paul Browne Solicitors in Oakham. Paul Browne Solicitors is a small local practice set up by Paul Browne in 1997, now employing 11 members of staff and running a very successful conveyancing department, overseen by Harry Smith. Paul Browne primarily focuses on commercial property and agricultural property matters, as well as wills and probate. Paul Browne will become a consultant at the newly merged firm, while Harry Smith will become a partner of the firm. The two firms share similar values – customer service and clear practical advice. In fact, both firms primarily grew organically by way of client recommendations and word of mouth referrals.

Hegarty Marketing Manager Angela Babb says: ‘The merger really complements both firms. Having an Oakham office strengthens Hegarty’s position in the Rutland and Leicestershire market place. From Paul Browne’s perspective it will enable a wider offering of legal services to their client base with the ability to call on the expertise of Hegarty Solicitors’ other offices.’ The merger is effective from 1 May 2015, and Oakham will adopt the larger firm’s brand identity, as Hegarty Solicitors has a strong brand reputation and established corporate identity. Senior Partner at Hegarty Solicitors, Richard Hegarty, comments: ‘We are delighted to merge with Paul’s very successful office, sharing the same values and goals have made this a straight forward project.’ Paul Browne adds: ‘In addition to our already strong position in the property sector, we will extend the service offering in Oakham to include all personal legal matters and commercial and litigious work, which will make us the only law firm in the Oakham area offering specialised commercial services.’ And the two other pieces of good news?

From 1 May, Andrew Hornsby in the Peterborough office is to be promoted to Partner. Andrew has been with Hegarty Solicitors since 2007 and in that time has built an extremely broad and busy caseload. Andrew’s expertise lies within all areas of commercial and civil litigation. Also promoted is Jo Wild, at the firm’s Stamford office, who goes from solicitor to Associate. Jo is a very accomplished wills, trust and probate solicitor who specialises in care-fee planning, probate, powers of attorney and elderly client issues. She is a member of SFE (Solicitors For the Elderly) and STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners). The merger and corresponding promotions make Hegarty LLP an 11-partner firm.

Visit www.hegarty.co.uk or call on 01733 346333.