News & Views

O'Connors advises Express Solicitors on Michael W Halsall Solicitors acquisition

O'Connors has advised Manchester-based law firm Express Solicitors on its acquisition of a North West counterpart as it strengthens its practice in personal injury law, adding 2,500 ongoing cases and 37 staff.

Managing partner at Express Solicitors, James Maxey, said: "We look forward to welcoming the talented staff at Michael W Halsall Solicitors on-board and this will assist in our growth. We will continue to operate from their modern premises in Newton-le-Willows. The directors Ian and Nial have done a fantastic job building up Michael W Halsall Solicitors to the level it is now."

Established in 1987, Newton-le-Willows-based Michael W Halsall Solicitors' outgoing directors confirmed how important it was to find the right successor practice.

Ian Halsall said: "We are very pleased to find a suitable firm to look after our staff, the firm's heritage and finding the right fit was very important to us. We are pleased to see during our dealings with Express Solicitors that they are committed to client care, staff welfare and progression and wish them every success."

Maxey added: "An exceptional service will continue for all clients, aided by a smooth integration of our Proclaim case management systems. Both IT departments and legal teams are working closely together to provide a seamless transition."

Head of RTA at Express Solicitors, Kimberley Kirkby is taking the lead on integration and will be based partly from the Newton-le-Willows office for the foreseeable future.

Express Solicitors has said its ambition is to become the leading claimant personal injury firm in the UK. It now has a caseload of more than 20,000 and employs around 450 people.

Express Solicitors was advised by specialist legal and regulatory lawyers O’Connors, based in Liverpool, and Michael W Halsall Solicitors was advised by Clarke Wilmott, based in Manchester.