'Royal' firm links up to Stonehams

THE FIRM which advised King George V and Queen Mary has merged with another old London practice.

Bircham & Co, which acted for the monarchs during their 26-year reign earlier this century, has incorporated Stoneham Langton & Passmore.

The enlarged practice will have 26 partners and Stonehams staff will move from their Piccadilly offices to Birchams' Westminster headquarters.

Birchams executive chair John Stephenson and managing partner John Turnbull take the same positions in the merged operation, named Birchams & Co incorporating Stoneham Langton & Passmore.

Grant Middleton, managing partner at Stonehams, becomes a consultant following the completion of the move on Monday.

Stephenson said: "We are delighted with the merger. Joining forces with Stoneham Langton & Passmore is an excellent strategic step for both parties."

He added that the partnership had a broad range of clients but had great expertise in private client, trust and charity work, with expanding interests in personal injury and corporate finance.

"It was a crucial factor in our discussions that we both share an equal commitment to our private and estate clients."