TWO leading law firms have announced their merger combining more than 200 years of legal expertise.

Brighton and Hove-based Woolley Bevis Diplock LLP have joined forces with Coole & Haddock – whose offices are in Worthing and Horsham – filling a gap in the market between London and larger regional firms, and smaller traditional high street practices.

The new firm will be known as Coole Bevis LLP, and will retain four offices in Sussex and will offer expert legal services to both business and private clients.

Richard Edmondson of Woolley Bevis Diplock LLP said: “We’re pleased to have found in Coole & Haddock a firm with a similar culture and management style to our own.

“Our ambition now is to build on our joint strength and reputation in private client and commercial work, using our pooled depth of expertise and talent. Whether we are helping clients with their business or private lives, we will provide expert, proactive and practical advice.”

Stephen Loosemore of Coole & Haddock added: “We’re excited by the prospect of widening our presence in the county and beyond.

“The main goal of the merger is to offer all the benefits that accompany size – strength, depth and specialist expertise – with the personal service associated with the best smaller firms.

“Corporate and commercial clients will benefit particularly from the two established teams of solicitors, who already have vast experience of handling transactions that would be coveted by leading London firms.”

The combined firm is made up of 19 partners and 49 staff over all.

It specialises in commercial property, residential property, leasehold enfranchisement and leasehold disputes, employment, services for businesses, wills, probate and trusts, family law, personal injury, clinical negligence and dispute resolution.

Woolley Bevis Diplock recently handled an agreement with Lewes District Council for the development of additional accommodation at Denton Island Community Centre in Newhaven.