Blackett Hart & Pratt has announced that Newcastle law firm Anderson and Haggie will be joining their business.

The merger brings two more Partners, Tom Lisgo and George Crawford, and 12 staff to Blackett Hart & Pratt’s Tyneside base on Newcastle Quayside. Anderson and Haggie’s office at St Mary’s Place will close.

The merger, which is under the Blackett Hart & Pratt name, takes effect on October 2.

Anderson and Haggie is a general practice specialising in conveyancing, general litigation and wills trust & probate.

John Pratt, Managing Partner of BHP, said: “Anderson and Haggie is a long established, well respected firm with a strong private client base. I have known Tom Lisgo for over 30 years and we’re delighted to welcome both Tom and George and all their staff to Eldon Chambers.

“This merger has come at the right time for both firms and compliments our long term growth strategy. The implications of the Clementi Review are that our profession is going to undergo considerable change over the next few years and BHP intends to be at the forefront of those developments.”

Anderson and Haggie was established by Charles Anderson in 1950 and he was later joined by Bill Haggie. In the 1970s Tom Lisgo and George Crawford both joined the firm and they became Partners in 1984.

Mr Crawford said: “The merger with Blackett Hart & Pratt means that we can offer a much broader range of services to our clients, both private and commercial, including business and company law, employment law, town and country planning and financial services.”

Mr Lisgo added: “Blackett Hart & Pratt is one of the region’s bigger firms but is renowned for retaining a strong family feel. Our clients will experience the same personal service but have all the advantages of choice that being part of a larger practice offers.”

The merger brings the total number of staff at Blackett Hart & Pratt in Newcastle, Durham and Darlington to 185 including 21 Partners.