Corporate law firms Hammond Suddards and edge ellison are merging with effect from 1 August 2000. The merged firm, which will be called Hammond Suddards Edge, views the merger as a step towards the creation of an international practice.
The new firm intends to employ the additional resources created by the merger to attract ambitious and talented lawyers, invest in training, IT and new product development, and develop overseas resources.
Hammond Suddards Edge collectively advises 18 of the FTSE 100 companies and has a budgeted turnover of £135m. Its 185 partners, 900 lawyers and 2,000 total staff make it the seventh largest firm in the UK.
In September, the 160 partners and staff at edge ellison’s Holborn offices will move into Hammond Suddards’ Devonshire Square offices, creating a City presence of some 250 lawyers.
John Heller, Hammond Suddards’ senior partner, will retain his current role in the new organisation, whilst James Retallack, edge ellison’s senior partner, will become head of the firm’s Midlands offices and join the partnership board. The joint managing partners of the new firm will be Chris Jones (currently Hammond Suddards managing partner) and Gil Hayward (now edge ellison’s chief executive).
PLS News 26/6/00
