Leading East Kent law firm Girlings is expanding into Shepway. The firm, which has offices in Ashford, Canterbury, Herne Bay and Margate, is amalgamating with Gambrills Solicitors, of Sandgate Road in Folkestone.

‘Girlings incorporating Gambrills Solicitors’ will operate from Gambrills’ existing offices and will be headed up by Gambrills’ three partners, Andrew Keel, Richard Turner and Jonathan Pidduck.

Andrew Watson, managing partner of Girlings, said: “The Shepway area has huge potential and we want to capitalise on this as part of our growth strategy for the firm. Girlings is one of East Kent’s leading full service law practices, and it makes sense for us to establish a foothold in Folkestone by joining forces with a local firm with an equally successful track record and similar portfolio of services.”

Girlings has 20 partners and over 100 members of staff based at its five offices across East Kent. Gambrills is a full service law firm with three partners and 24 staff.

Gambrills’ partner, Andrew Keel, said: “Our business and private clients will benefit from access to an even wider range of legal services and specialist expertise, including advice and assistance with business and property transactions in Europe.”