Law firms’ merger underpins growth plans

Law firms’ merger underpins growth plans

Ambitious growth of Sills & Betteridge Solicitors continues following merger with Bell & Buxton Solicitors

Sills & Betteridge LLP merged with historic Sheffield law firm Bell & Buxton Solicitors on September 1.

Sills & Betteridge Solicitors, established in 1759 already has 16 offices across Lincolnshire, the East Midlands and Yorkshire and over 400 partners and staff. 

Its expansion into South Yorkshire began in 2019 with the acquisition of Bridge Sanderson Munro Solicitors of Doncaster, Bawtry, Thorne and Wath upon Dearne. The firm then extended its presence into Sheffield in 2021 with the acquisition of Rawson Family Law. Two years later, it acquired Acclaimed Family Law.

Bell & Buxton Solicitors has been practicing in Sheffield for 150 years and is renowned for litigation and corporate law building a reputation for delivering top-tier legal services and fostering long-term client relationships.

The merger of these two Legal 500 ranked law firms will create one of the largest law firms in Sheffield with a turnover of over £25 million. The merged firm will create a new force in the Sheffield legal market, offering a comprehensive suite of services across multiple practice areas. The combined firm, to be known initially as Sills & Betteridge incorporating Bell & Buxton will leverage the strengths of both firms in the provision of legal services in the city.

Martyn Hall, Chief Financial Officer of Sills & Betteridge Solicitors, said "Our firms share a common vision of excellence and client service and by combining our talents and resources, we will enhance our ability to deliver innovative and effective legal solutions in the city of Sheffield. Sills & Betteridge have ambitious growth ambitions, and this merger marks a major step forward in our regional expansion strategy".

Matthew Rodgers, Partner of Bell & Buxton Solicitors added: "We are thrilled to join forces with Sills & Betteridge Solicitors. This merger represents a significant step for both firms as we respond to the changing legal landscape and the evolving needs of our clients. 

“By coming together, we can offer a wider range of services while maintaining the trusted, personal relationships that both firms have built with generations of clients. With a strong cultural fit and shared values, we look forward to reinforcing the Sills & Betteridge brand in the Sheffield market, building on their previous successful merger with Acclaimed Family Law.”

Pictured from left are:  Richard Bussell (Sills & Betteridge), Alex Ross (Bell & Buxton), Partner Sandra Russell (Sills & Betteridge Incorporating Acclaimed Family Law), Matthew Rodgers (Bell & Buxton) and Martyn Hall (Sills & Betteridge).

Date

05 September 2025

Tags

Business