London commercial firms Kingsford Stacey and Booth & Blackwell are to merge on 1 December. Kingsford Stacey's 12 partners will be joined at their Lincoln's Inn offices by the six partners from Booth & Blackwell.
In brief: Irvine welcomes Bar direct access pilot
The Lord Chancellor Lord Irvine has welcomed a limited Bar Council pilot scheme to grant advice centres direct access to barristers. “I am sure the Bar Council will consider what other areas can be opened up to direct referral in the future,” he said.