Barcan+Kirby merger brings fresh proposition to Bristol legal market

Two leading Bristol solicitors firms, Barcan Woodward and Kirby Sheppard have today formally merged to become new firm, Barcan+Kirby.

Barcan+Kirby, which comprises 135 fee earners and support staff in eight offices across Bristol, will be led by former Barcan Woodward managing partner Chris Miller, and former Kirby Sheppard managing partner Bill Willcocks.

As a result of the merger, the firm will be able to offer its clients access to a greater depth of expertise across family law, wills and probate, conveyancing, employment and personal injury. The firm also has a nationally respected medical negligence team.

With a client-first approach centred on being a part of the communities it serves, the firm has offices in Horfield, Bishopston, Bedminster, Kingswood, Thornbury, Clifton and the city centre.

Beyond the benefits of an expanded range of services and office locations, Barcan+Kirby is confident it has created a unique position in the Bristol legal market, to the advantage of both its clients and employees.

Chris Miller, Managing Partner of Barcan+Kirby, explains:

“Bristol is something of an anomaly when you consider its legal services and the current landscape. From a client’s perspective, the choice is either to work with a small, one or two-person legal firm, which may not have the expertise required or to work with one of the city’s bigger players which may not be affordable.

“Unlike other cities across the South West, and indeed other regions, there doesn’t seem to be any middle ground in Bristol – the option to work with a mid-sized firm that has the right person with the right expertise to help you but at a price you can afford. It’s this gap in the market that is behind the merger of the two firms and the formation of Barcan+Kirby.

“As well as the two firms coming together to provide a solution to this gap, combining forces enables us invest more in the technologies and systems we need to keep at the forefront of client service, and expands development and career opportunities for our employees.”

Bill Willcocks, senior partner of Barcan+Kirby added:

“I am confident that Barcan+Kirby’s unique positioning as the ‘go-to’ mid-sized firm in the Bristol market will create some exciting opportunities for us in the future and provide a strong foundation on which to build our business.

“Both former firms have a strong-track record in the Bristol legal market and a long-standing relationship with the clients and communities which they serve. We’re committed for the long-term and have ambitious plans for Barcan+Kirby during the next five years.”