Private client law firms May, May & Merrimans (est. 1786) and Hunters (est. 1715) to merge next year

May, May & Merrimans and Lincoln’s Inn solicitors, Hunters, are to merge with effect from 1st April 2015. The combined firm will have 120 staff and a total of 530 years’ experience (Hunters was founded in 1715, and May, May & Merrimans, founded in 1786).

The firm will be known as Hunters, incorporating May, May & Merrimans, and the main office will be at 9 New Square, Lincoln’s Inn.

Hunters has practised from its 17th century premises in Lincoln’s Inn for almost 300 years, a mark of the firm’s stability and permanence. This continuity is reflected in the lasting service given to clients old and new. The firm concentrates on looking after its clients’ individual needs; a partner is personally responsible for every client. This special relationship, often built up over many years, is the bedrock of the practice.

Similarly, May, May & Merrimans’ approach is client-based, offering the personal attention of one partner to the client’s overall objectives, while calling on the expertise of specialist colleagues as required. Great importance is attached to establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with clients, and many clients have been with the firm for generations.

Richard Taylor, Senior Partner at May, May & Merrimans said:
“We believe our two firms to be an ideal fit in terms of focus, ethos and commitment to providing a high quality and cost effective service to clients. By joining forces we will produce one of the largest private client departments in the country, with the expertise and resources required to maintain the highest standards in what has become a very specialist area.”

Paul Almy, Senior Partner at Hunters said:

“It is our responsibility to keep evolving so that we continue to be a leading Lincoln’s Inn law firm for many generations to come. May, May & Merrimans have an exceptionally strong private client department and a very well established property practice. Their team will provide us with significant strength in depth ensuring that we continue to offer a comprehensive service to all of our clients.”