South Coast law firm Ellis Jones has acquired Baehrs Solicitors in Bournemouth for an undisclosed sum.
The firm was established by Eric Baehr and specialised in civil litigation, marriage breakdown and employment disputes.
Mr Baehr, a practising solicitor for 41 years, has now become a consultant with Ellis Jones based at the firm’s Ringwood office. He continues to act in his current cases and also sit as a Deputy District Judge.
Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones’ Managing Partner, said: “I have known Eric, both personally and professionally, for many years and have the utmost respect for the way he has built up his practice.
“Baehrs has an excellent reputation and we’re very pleased to have acquired such a long-established and well-regarded practice.”
A former President of Bournemouth & District Law Society, Mr Baehr was formerly its Head of Advocacy Training. He is a member of Resolution, the national organisation of family lawyers committed to non-confrontational divorce, separation and other family problems.
Mr Baehr said: “A key objective for me has been to pass on my practice to a firm on whom I could rely to provide to my clients a very high degree of expertise and service. I’m happy to say that Ellis Jones is such a firm.”
Ellis Jones’ acquisition of Baehrs took effect from the beginning of October.
One ‘asset’ not included in the acquisition was a life-size model of a bear dressed in court robes which greeted clients at Baehrs’ former offices in Abchurch Chambers, St Peters Road.
The bear, named Theodore, was presented to Mr Baehr by a grateful client and will now take up new residence at his home.
Ellis Jones is one of the largest law firms in Dorset and West Hampshire with approximately 100 staff including eight partners. It has offices in Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs, Ringwood and Swanage offering a wide range of services to individuals and businesses.
