LAWFUEL – UK Law News Network – Hill Dickinson LLP and Hill Taylor Dickinson will merge, the firms announced today. The merger, which will be effective from 1 November 2006, will elevate the combined entity to a top 40 firm with 141 partners and over 900 people. The firm will be known as Hill Dickinson LLP.
The merger provides the combined firm with a significantly enhanced London base and an international gateway through its established Greek office. The practice areas of insurance, marine and shipping, commodities, property, corporate and commercial will all be strengthened. Most notably, the combined marine insurance and shipping practices will now comprise more than 80 lawyers, making the LLP one of the largest marine practices in the United Kingdom.
On announcing the merger, Tony Wilson, Senior Partner, Hill Dickinson comments: “I am delighted that both businesses have agreed to merge. The merger is in line with the ambitions of both firms to position ourselves as a major legal force in the UK and international markets, with a greater presence in London. Combining our resources, existing capabilities and client base will create tremendous synergy and will strengthen many of our key commercial disciplines.”
Peter Jackson, Managing Partner, Hill Dickinson adds: “The merger will enable the LLP to continue its commitment to invest in its infrastructure and provide greater career opportunities for all of our people. We have a proven ability to identify and combine with strong practices that allow us to enhance our capabilities, develop our culture and provide a platform for further expansion.”
Maria Pittordis, Chairman, Hill Taylor Dickinson, says “This merger will strengthen and enhance the capabilities of both firms and, once combined, will create one of the most substantial commercial and shipping practices in the UK, with the ability to offer a full set of legal and cost effective services to the commercial and shipping communities worldwide.”
Malcolm Taylor, Managing Partner, Hill Taylor Dickinson adds: “London is a key area of growth for both firms and we remain committed to providing clients with the best service and the highest quality advice. The merger will enable us to offer greater resources across a wider range of specialisms. We have already discussed the merger with a number of existing clients and the unanimous response has been extremely enthusiastic.”
The newly merged firm will be structured as a modern LLP with Tony Wilson as Senior Partner and Peter Jackson as Managing Partner. Members from Hill Taylor Dickinson will join the Management and LLP Boards.
Hill Dickinson’s turnover has increased by more than 80% in the last five years, through a combination of internal growth, lateral hire and merger. Hill Taylor Dickinson has established itself as a strong international law firm, advising clients across many industry sectors from its offices in London and Piraeus, Greece. The firm is best known for its thriving shipping commodities and marine insurance practice, representing a wide variety of leading clients in this sector.
