Founded nearly 40 years ago and also based in Manchester, FDL has developed a strong reputation for the provision of commercial, residential property, private client, employment, company commercial and corporate advice.
FDL’s 26 staff have now joined Glaisyers. Harvey Cohen becomes joint Managing Partner, with Steven Fruhman and Jonathan Davies, the founders of Fruhman Davies & Co joining Glaisyers as consultants. Malcolm Abel and Martyn Caplan also join as partners.
Harvey explains: “Glaisyers is an excellent fit for us and joining the two firms is the right thing to do. The two firms have always shared a ‘clients first and always’ philosophy so together, I believe that we will be able to deliver an even better service and provide yet more creative and effective solutions in all types of commercial matters.
Nick Johnson, joint managing partner at Glaisyers Solicitors added: “This is an exciting move for both firms and we are delighted to welcome Harvey and his colleagues to Glaisyers.
“From the outset it was clear we had a shared vision to provide quality legal solutions to SMEs, individuals and families across the region. Our new arrivals will complement and enhance Glaisyers in a number of key areas such as private client, residential and commercial property, company commercial and employment – it’s a great opportunity for all of us.”
Initially, former FDL staff will operate as Glaisyers at the existing premises at Blackfriars House in Manchester. During 2014, it is expected that staff will eventually be housed together at One St James’ Square.
Nick Johnson concluded: “The legal landscape continues to change rapidly but we have a clear growth plan. Consolidation in the marketplace continues apace and we are always interested in more firms joining in our success and recruiting real talent to help us grow further.
“Our philosophy continues to be that our clients come first and see us as being big enough to trust and small enough to care.”
The move comes just six months after Glaisyers split out its legal services work to form separate firm, WTB Solicitors. This new partnership will see Glaisyers grow to become an 11-partner firm with around 80 staff and is the first step toward achieving a £10m turnover within the next five years. The firm celebrates its 40th birthday next year.
