Gilson: Heading to other English cities as well
Scottish law firm Gilson Gray has extended its expansion south of the border by acquiring City of London-based PCM Solicitors, with plans to enter other markets too.
PCM specialises in family and property law and all five staff are moving over.
Gilson Gray said it would begin recruiting for a head of operations in London as it has “ambitious plans” to further grow its presence in the capital to offer a full range of legal, property, and financial management services.
The Edinburgh-headquartered firm made its first incursion into England in 2022 with the acquisition of Home Property Lawyers in Lincoln from listed law firm Knights as the first building block of its English expansion.
Gilson Gray has already done two deals in Scotland in 2024, adding Edinburgh’s MHD and Bowmans Solicitors; it now has six offices in Scotland.
Glen Gilson, chair and managing partner of Gilson Gray, said: “As part of our national expansion, it is important to avail ourselves of the most lucrative markets and access the strongest talent pools.
“London represents an important strategic development for the business, and we expect to create further presence in other cities in due course.”
Paul Critchley, who founded PCM in 2009, added: “We were impressed with Gilson Gray’s plans for growth, the range of services it can offer to our clients, and the opportunities it opens up to our staff – the vast of majority of whom have been with us for many years.”
Meanwhile, in Lancashire, Southerns has acquired odonnells, boosting its mental health, Court of Protection and community care practices. The combined team will operate from Preston and Burnley.
Neil Cronin, managing director of Southerns and current chair of the Mental Health Lawyers Association, said: “Bringing together both firms was an easy decision to make. Both Rachel Eastham of Southerns and Philippa Curran of odonnells have devoted their careers to defending the rights of the most vulnerable through their work in mental health and mental capacity law.
“Their combined expertise and leadership will significantly enhance the support and advocacy available to those in need.”
In Mid and West Wales, Agri Advisor has taken over Brunton & Co, adding offices in Aberystwyth and Machynlleth to its existing seven, along with partners Peter Brunton and his son James Brunton together with solicitor Aneira Evans.
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