Member Article

North East law firms merge to increase Tyne and Wear presence

Alderson Law LLP has merged with Whitley Bay-based Hipkin & Co, with personal injury and civil litigation specialist Mark Hipkin becoming the firm’s sixth equity partner.

With offices also in Blyth and Morpeth, this merger enables Alderson Law LLP to extend its presence into Tyne & Wear and represents the continuing growth of the legal practice.

Alderson Law LLP was formed two years ago following the merger of Alderson Dodds and Whoolley Goodings LLP, which created the largest independent law firm based in Northumberland.

Guy Goodings, one of the partners in Alderson Law LLP and a former President of the Newcastle Law Society approached Mark Hipkin, who also held the title of President in 2011, with the opportunity to increase the strength of both practices through a merger.

With 26 years’ experience as a sole practitioner, the merger enables Mark Hipkin to increase the range of services available to his existing client base while also bringing his legal and business management expertise to Alderson Law LLP.

Both parties were advised by partners from leading North East accountancy practice and business advisors, Ryecroft Glenton.

Hipkin & Co were advised by Managing Partner Chris Robson, who has worked with Mark Hipkin since 1989. Ryecroft Glenton partner and law sector specialist, Ian Smith, who was an advisor to Alderson Dodds, represented Alderson Law LLP in the completion of the merger.

Mark Hipkin, Partner at Alderson Law LLP, said: “I am looking forward to bringing my legal and management experience to this growing practice. Merging the two firms represents an exciting new phase for Alderson Law LLP and strengthens its position in the North East market.”

Guy Goodings, partner at Alderson Law LLP, said: “This merger supports our ambitions to grow our presence across Northumberland and Tyne & Wear. Hipkin & Co has an exemplary reputation and fits perfectly with our commitment to delivering the best possible service to clients across the region and beyond.”

Chris Robson, Managing Partner at Ryecroft Glenton, said: “We are very proud to help bring together two of the region’s most well-known law firms. Our experience working with legal practices, along with our longstanding relationships with these two firms, enabled the smooth and timely completion of the merger.”

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