Wilsons’ has announced the acquisition of agricultural law firm Ebery Williams LLP and  the opening of an office in central Bristol.

After more than 30 years at Burges Salmon where he developed one of the premier agricultural teams in the UK, Peter Williams left in November 2010 with Legal Director Miles Farren, setting up interim practice Ebery Williams.

Peter Williams commented: “After 30 years at Burges Salmon, I am very excited about moving with my team from Ebery Williams to Wilsons, a firm dedicated to the sector and private client work, where we fully intend to establish the best agricultural law practice in the country. Wilsons is a natural fit for us, because of its culture and style which appeals to clients and their reputation for excellent lawyers.”

In acquiring Peter and his team, Wilsons, already well regarded for its agricultural practice, may assume pole position as the leading national firm, bolstered by the arrival in March this year of Ben Sharples from Burges Salmon. Ben joined Wilsons as a partner.

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Partner of Wilsons Solicitors LLP said: “This is a significant day in our history and we are delighted that Peter and his team have chosen Wilsons.  This move is very much part of our expansion plans. Wilsons is now a national practice, delivering excellent service in our specialist areas”.

At a time when many firms have been paring back, the last 3 years has seen Wilsons invest heavily, with a new head office opening May 2012, the opening of their London office in 2009 which brought senior private client and charity appointments and more on the way; and now a new office in central Bristol.

Jonathan Stephens said of his ambitions for Bristol “Our strategy is a simple one: to continue the growth of our business with the appointment of exceptional lawyers. The core of our business remains our work with wealthy individuals, families and businesses, providing all of their legal needs from tax planning and family to property and commercial. Peter’s arrival is part of that strategy. I am always interested to talk to people who would like to be part of our future growth.”

The arrival of partners Peter Williams and Miles Farren brings Wilsons partner count to 34. Joining with them are solicitor and deputy district judge Dinah Close and paralegal Emma Nigogosian. Peter, Miles and Dinah are all ranked as ‘leading individuals’ in the agricultural sector by the independent legal directories.