Renowned private client, agriculture and real estate law firm Lodders Solicitors has announced plans to open a major operation in Cheltenham to service clients in Gloucestershire and the wider Cotswolds area.
Managing partner Rod Bird said the new office was opening in response to client demand as a significant proportion of Lodders’ turnover already comes from clients in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds.
The lead partners opening the new office in Imperial Square, Cheltenham, are Robin Beckley and Paul Mourton, both of whom have a long pedigree in Cheltenham and live in the area.
Robin Beckley joined Lodders in May 2012 after spending 27 years with Cheltenham law firm Rickerbys – 24 as a partner.
Paul Mourton’s family has a long business association with Cheltenham, and he joined Lodders in 2008 from Charles Russell, having initially completed his training with Rickerbys.
They will be joined by fellow partner Penny Gladman and her assistant Holly Kennett both from Lodders’ Cirencester office, which will be merged into the new Cheltenham office.
The office will open in the autumn, initially with eight staff, but this figure is likely to rise before the formal opening.
Managing partner Rod Bird said the intention was to build on the success of the firm’s offices in Stratford-upon-Avon and Henley-in-Arden in serving the region’s high net worth individuals, whether through their private client,real estate or commercial teams.
“By teaming up Robin Beckley, Paul Mourton and Penny Gladman to open our Cheltenham office, we are making a clear statement of intent, and we anticipate this office will grow quickly as we look to build on what is already an established client base in and around Cheltenham.
“This is not so much a new office for them as much as a ‘coming home’.
“We are aware that there is a significant demand for a highly personal, private client centred offering in Cheltenham, and we note that a number of professional firms and financiers such as Coutts have chosen to base themselves in the town.
“Lodders has a tremendous track record in attracting and retaining clients and this makes us an extremely attractive proposition to lawyers looking to join a firm where they can advance their careers with a firm that values personal service.
“We expect to make further announcements on staffing in the near future,” he said.
The firm has chosen the Grade II listed Regency building at 25 Imperial Square to place the new operation at the very heart of Cheltenham. With almost 3,000 sq ft of office accommodation, it is designed to provide plenty of room for growth.
Tim Smith of John Ryde Commercial acted for the landlord of 25 Imperial Square.
