Local law firms Coles Miller and DTW Solicitors have announced they are to merge from 1 May 2007.

The combined firm will be known as Coles Miller Solicitors LLP (incorporating DTW Solicitors) and the move will firmly place it as one of the largest practices in Dorset with around 150 personnel and offices in Poole, Broadstone, Charminster and now central Bournemouth.

DTW is a general practice firm established in 1961 by Derek T Wilkinson. Led by Partners Andrew Howard and Shauna Lines, the firm has an office of 20 staff on Durley Chine Road. The firm has an excellent reputation locally and has a dedicated team offering a complete range of legal services to both the private individual and business client.

Roger Senior, the senior partner of Coles Miller comments, “The merger makes commercial sense for both firms broadening the range of services and breadth of expertise it can offer our clients. It also gives Coles Miller the opportunity to develop a greater presence in the Bournemouth area with a central office in the main commercial centre. The location is ideal for the Sandbanks, Branksome Park and Canford Cliffs catchment and offers clients easy access (straight off the Wessex Way) with ample parking.”

Andrew Howard said: “The merger with Coles Miller 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, matrimonial and litigation.

Mr Howard added: “Although Coles Miller is a much bigger firm than DTW it shares a similar philosophy and approach to client service. Our clients will experience the same personal service but have all the advantages of choice that being part of a larger practice offers.”

Most staff will remain in their existing roles and it is anticipated that the merger is the first step in the continued expansion of the firm.

Roger Senior said, “We are delighted to welcome DTW Solicitors into our firm. DTW has an excellent reputation particularly in matters involving leasehold property and landlord and tenant. This specialism fits well with Coles Miller who have a strong reputation locally in residential conveyancing and provides and excellent fit both in terms of services and location.

With increased competition and changing working practices, modern law firms need greater economies of scale. We are operating in a consolidating market and I am confident Coles Miller will continue to strengthen its position as one of the leading law firms in Dorset.”

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