Perrin: Right next step for firm
The new legal group backed by a private investment office and aimed in particular at law firms with succession issues has made its second acquisition.
Oak Legal Group has added Hertfordshire law firm Perrin Myddelton, after last month’s deal for Hedges Law in Oxford.
Another firm is set to join the group in the next six weeks or so.
Perrin Myddelton, which has 23 staff, will continue to operate in Harpenden under its existing name.
However, it will be a trading name of Hedges Law rather than be a separate regulated entity – or standalone ‘acorn’ – within the Oak Legal Group.
Founded as Perrins Solicitors by Fred Perrin in 1997, it joined forces with Robin Myddelton’s firm in 2014 and specialises in social housing, commercial property, property development, company commercial, residential conveyancing and dispute resolution work.
Oak is backed by CKM3, a private office owned by Colm McGinley, a former surveyor who in 2008 founded staffing business MCG Group, now known as Auxo Talent, and created a company with 350 employees before stepping away in 2023. CKM3 is still invested in it, however.
He leads Oak Legal alongside Hedges directors Nicola Poole and Rebecca Kashti. They each own 25% of the group, with another investor the final share.
Ms Poole told us last month that Oak’s proposition was aimed at firms in “high-end locations with strong client relationships and high-performing teams”.
She described Perrin Myddelton as “exactly the kind of firm Oak was created to support”.
She went on: “Firms like this should not have to choose between standing still, selling to a model that removes their identity, or carrying the growing burden of modern law firm ownership alone.
“Oak gives them another path – protecting what makes them special while investing in the systems, technology, training, management and infrastructure they need for the future.”
Mr Perrin said: “We’ve always been proud of the specialist work we do, particularly in social housing and property, and it was important to find a home that respected the firm’s heritage while giving the team the support, systems and investment needed for the future.
“This feels like the right next step for the business, our clients and our colleagues.”
Mr McGinley added: “Oak is a long-term investment in great law firms and great people. The legal market is changing quickly, but we believe there is a powerful alternative to consolidation that strips away local identity.”
Meanwhile, Stowe Family Law has made its second acquisition in Australia, Emera Family Law, a specialist practice based in Victoria, with offices in Melbourne and Sunshine.
Stowe – which was acquired in late 2024 by Bahrain-headquartered global alternative investment manager Investcorp – only entered Australia in January with an investment in Unified Lawyers, a family law practice with 60 staff working in offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland.
Executive chairman Ken Fowlie explained that they chose Australia as a priority international market due to its mature legal system, strong regulatory alignment with the UK, strong demand for services and cultural fit.
He said: “Together, we see a real opportunity to strengthen access to a compassionate model for family law in Victoria, while continuing to invest in the people, systems and technology that help deliver an outstanding client experience.”
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