Penningtons and Walker Martineau to merge

The new firm, which will come into being on 1 May, will keep the Penningtons name and Walker Martineau lawyers will be absorbed into the four existing offices in London and the south east.

Penningtons' managing partner Lesley Lintott will remain at the helm, with Richard Underwood,

Walker Martineau's managing partner, returning to full time private client work. Walker Martineau acts for professional bodies advising on disciplinary issues, and is strong in corporate, commercial property and private client work