LOCAL NEWS
DMH Stallard confirms merger with divorce specialists Brookman Solicitors
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eading South East law firm DMH Stallard has announced its merger with family law firm Brookman Solicitors.
With immense experience and expertise in all aspects of family law, Brookman Solicitors is regarded as one of London’s leading specialists in divorce, advising clients from the UK and internationally. Richard Pollins, Managing Partner of DMH Stallard, said: “Twelve months ago our plans for growth were temporarily paused while we dealt with the impact of the pandemic and we implemented new ways of working in response to the new normal. “It is therefore satisfying to announce this important milestone in our broader growth plans at the start of Richard Pollins 2021. I hope this will be the first of a number of mergers in London and the region for the firm over the next few years as we continue our expansion strategy. “Brookman Solicitors is particularly well known and highly regarded for exemplary work in the area of divorce, and their joining will undoubtedly strengthen our family law practice in London.” Henry Brookman founded Brookman Solicitors in 2000. He said: “Our merger with DMH Stallard is good news for clients of both our firms. It gives our clients access to a deep pool of expertise across a whole range of legal services, as well as better geographical access. “It significantly enhances the service that our combined firm will be providing.” The merger is expected to complete on 1 May 2021. DMH Stallard’s merger with Brookman Solicitors will be their fourth in recent years. The firm merged with Rawlison Butler in 2017, and both AWB Partnership and Ross & Craig Solicitors in 2015. ■
Gemma Artus
Harriet Donovan
Stowe Family Law new appointments enable firm’s Surrey team to help more clients
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towe Family Law has expanded its legal team in Surrey to support an increase in the number and complexity of new enquiries the firm is seeing due to the pandemic. Recently appointed Senior Solicitor Gemma Artus joined the firm in February, bringing seven years of family law experience working in London. She is joined by Solicitor Harriet Donovan, whose experience spans seven years - exclusively in family law. The appointments will further strengthen the Stowe team in Surrey. With offices based in Esher and Guildford, Gemma Artus and Harriet Donovan will work closely with colleagues to support a growing number of clients across the region. Joining from Burgess Mee Family Law, Gemma Artus supports clients on all types of family law work, including divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships and unmarried couples. She regularly advises on nuptial agreements and has extensive experience in children disputes. Harriet Donovan joins Stowe from Simpson Millar LLP and has a wealth of experience in a broad range of issues, including divorce, financial settlements and child arrangements. She specialises in supporting clients in challenging cases involving allegations of domestic abuse and safeguarding issues. Emma Newman, the Managing Partner of Stowe in Esher and Guildford, said: “As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we have seen a sharp rise in enquiries. Recruiting Gemma and Harriet allows us to maintain the highest support levels for our clients throughout the pandemic and beyond. With their arrival, we are now a six-strong team working across the Surrey area, and I am delighted to welcome them both to the firm. Their combined experience in family law and knowledge will complement our existing offering to clients.” Emma continues: “As part of the country’s largest specialist family law firm, we can offer people in the Surrey area access to an unrivalled nationwide network of knowledge and experience on their doorstep.” ■
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