Speechly breaks top 50 after Campbell Hooper merger

The new firm will operate from Speechly’s offices at New Square Street, and will consist of 88 partners and 250 lawyers.

Managing partner Michael Lingens said the firm had been searching for a smaller merger partner for some time before being introduced to Campbell Hooper by management consultant Alan Hodgart of H4 Partners.

The structure of the merger will leave all Campbell Hooper’s debts and liabilities in the firm’s LLP, with all staff transferring to the Speechly LLP.

Campbell Hooper managing partner Martin Wright said all debts would be covered by work in progress and bills owed to the firm before the merger date of 1 June.

Speechly has also finalised a reorganisation of its internal structure, with all staff now divided between business services (corporate), real estate and corporate, and private client groups.

The litigation department will be absorbed into these practice groups.

Lingens said: “Our feeling was, especially now, with the marketplace being a bit shaky, that it has thrown up opportunities.”