Evill and Coleman, Russell-Cooke create London PI powerhouse

Personal injury (PI) boutique Evill and Coleman is to merge with London's Russell-Cooke Solicitors.

The merger, which is set for 1 March, will form a 30-strong PI department based in Putney. This is in addition to Russell-Cooke's Bedford Row and Kingston upon Thames offices.

The entire Evill and Coleman team, which includes three partners, two assistants and a medical specialist, will join Russell-Cooke, with senior partner Terry Lee becoming a consultant in the newly merged firm.

Evill and Coleman's expertise ranges from clinical negligence cases to PI work, including sporting injuries. Russell-Cooke carries out work for private clients as well as companies across a broad range of practice areas. It also has a strong charities department, with clients that include the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef).

John Gould, Russell-Cooke's senior partner, said the merger was mutually beneficial, as Evill and Coleman gains the logistical support available in a larger firm, while Russell-Cooke picks up a team with a strong reputation in its field.

Following the merger Russell-Cooke will have 36 partners and more than 230 other lawyers and support staff.