TWO long-standing law firms have merged in a bid to offer a wider ranger of services at more locations across Yorkshire.

Whitaker Firth, which has had a presence in Bradford dating back more than 100 years, has merged with Chadwick Lawrence.

All staff are being retained in the merger with the combined total of employees now standing at 223 with 37 partners.

The 160-year-old Chadwick Lawrence is one of the largest law firms in Yorkshire and provides a full range of business and personal services while lawyers at Whitaker Firth specialise in property and private client matters.

Chadwick Lawrence has offices in Leeds, Huddersfield, Halifax, Wakefield, Morley, Pudsey and Horbury.

Whitaker Firth has offices in Manor Row, in Bradford, and in Guiseley.

Partner at Whitaker Firth, Alexandra Wright, said: “We share the same values, culture and approach as Chadwick Lawrence so it is a perfect fit for both parties.

“Our customers will be able to access more business and personal services with all their legal requirements now met under one roof.

“Both firms bring a depth of talent that will boost our position given we have complementary skill sets and client bases.”

Managing Partner at Chadwick Lawrence, Neil Wilson, said: “We are extremely excited to announce the merger of Chadwick Lawrence and Whitaker Firth.

“Both businesses and customers will benefit greatly from the merger as we can provide a wider range of legal services in two more locations.

“Whitaker Firth has a very strong reputation built over many years in Guiseley and Bradford in particular, having had a presence in the city dating back over 100 years.

“The move is part of our long-term plans for significant growth as ‘Yorkshire’s legal people’ and further increases our reach across the county.”

Whitaker Firth offers its legal services to personal and business clients, specialising in areas, such as wills, trust and gifts, estate administration, powers of attorney, court of protection, residential property and residential property development.

Chadwick Lawrence has been offering professional and supportive legal advice to private and commercial clients for more than 160 years.

They offer a full range of services from litigation, employment to personal injury, medical negligence and family law.