DWF bulks up in Birmingham with insurance litigation bolt-on

The move is a bid by the national firm to bolster its presence in the region on the back of Buller Jeffries’ reputation. The Birmingham and Coventry based firm advised Zurich in the Supreme Court in the recent ’Trigger’ litigation into asbestos claims (28 March 2012).

Buller Jeffries will be formally incorporated into DWF on 1 May.

DWF has moved fast since merger talks with Manchester-based Cobbetts stalled at the end of January due to what both firms termed “uncertain market conditions” (31 January 2012). The Lawyer reported at the time that not all senior partners were enthusiastic about the proposals (9 January 2012).

DWF, which already has a Birmingham presence, will gain 20 fee-earners aspart of the deal.

DWF managing partner Andrew Leaitherland said: “This merger with Buller Jeffries represents our latest commitment to our Birmingham offering. As a firm we’re passionate about investing in all of our regional locations to further increase our ability to provide our clients with the best possible support where it’s needed most.

“The synergy between the two companies is clear, with a shared work ethic and values. As such, the union will certainly serve to further strengthen our offering for our client base.”

Buller Jeffries senior partner Roger Coates said: “This merger will be good for our people and good for our clients. There are a great many similarities in the way in which DWF and Buller Jeffries do business and we like each other as people - so we’re a natural fit.

“I’m confident that DWF’s presence in Birmingham will be greatly increased as a result of this merger and we’re all looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and taking advantage of the exciting opportunities for growth ahead.”