Two northern law firms have joined forces.

Celebrations were held recently as businesses across the Tyne Valley commended the union of Hexham-based Nicholson Portnell Solicitors and Cumbrian firm Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors.

The merging of these two companies will strengthen the legal services provided across both geographical locations.

The event took place at Hexham’s Beaumont Hotel, presenting an opportunity for Tyne Valley residents and staff to meet members of the Cartmell Shepherd team, which has been a consistent presence in the area via its Haltwhistle office.

Business development director at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, Carol O’Donoghue, outlined the positive impact the merger has had since its initiation earlier this year.

Ms O’Donoghue said: "We have been delighted with how well the teams at both Cartmell Shepherd and Nicholson Portnell have adapted since the acquisition earlier this year, and both firms are already seeing the benefits of combining our legal expertise to improve the services we provide to our clients."

She further extended appreciation to all involved in the process and ended her statement on a high note stating: "The team at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors would like to extend a huge thank you to the team at Nicholson Portnell and the wider Tyne Valley for such a warm welcome following the acquisition.

"It has made both legal firms stronger which will bring huge benefits to our clients."

The amalgamation executed in April 2024 has since been fruitful to Nicholson Portnell clientele, giving them access to a broader range of legal aptitude, expertise and resources.

Senior partner at Nicholson Portnell, Richard Nelson, was present at the event, where he shared his excitement about the forthcoming growth of the business through the support of Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors.

Mr Nelson elaborated on the significance of the union, saying: "The decision to come together with another law firm was not one we rushed into because we needed to make sure that they were the right fit for us; not only for our clients, but also for our staff."

He indicated that Cartmell Shepherd's commitment towards the holistic wellbeing of their staff and clients played a pivotal role in their decision to join forces.

He said: "What was the biggest deciding factor was the importance they placed on the wellbeing of their staff and clients, making sure everybody was supported in a personal as well as professional capacity.

"This aligned to our values and we couldn’t have found a better match."

The acquisition of Nicholson Portnell has fortified Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors’ standing in the Tyne Valley, augmenting its Haltwhistle base with additional five offices in Cumbria with two in Carlisle, and one in each of Brampton, Penrith and Cockermouth.