Russell Jones & Walker joins with the world's first listed law firm

Russell Jones & Walker Solicitors has announced it will join forces with the world's first publicly listed law firm, Slater & Gordon Lawyers. The move comes at a critical time of change in the UK legal industry as the Legal Services Act opens the market to outside investment and ahead of impending changes to the personal injury sector.

RJW Chief Executive Officer Neil Kinsella said the announcement would bring security and growth.

He added: "We will continue to deliver first class legal services, but as a result of today's announcement, we will have the resources and backing to develop and grow. We want to become the largest and most trusted provider of personal legal services (http://www.rjw.co.uk/legal-services/accidents-injury/) in the UK.

"Our commitment to making justice and legal services accessible and affordable to all remains, but our ability to do this increases as a result; this development will bring real benefits to our clients and affiliated organisations."

Slater & Gordon Managing Director Andrew Grech said that, while the UK had a similar legal jurisdiction to Australia, it had spent three years searching for the right opportunity in the UK. He commented on how RJW shares the same values as Slater & Gordon, which will help them achieve their joint aspiration of being the first choice for personal legal services in the UK.

Kinsella said becoming part of Slater & Gordon will put RJW ahead of the competition and provide a wider pool of talent and knowledge.

He explained: "In Slater & Gordon we have found the perfect partner; a firm with a similar history and ethos to RJW. We are also joining a firm focussed on innovation and one which is ahead of the pack in terms of its corporate and business structure. Slater & Gordon publicly listed five years ago, which gives us a five-year head start on any UK firm considering this option.

The two law firms have jointly identified the opportunities that may come as a result of the changes in the UK market and have already benefited from sharing their knowledge. By joining forces, they can share technology and have greater resources to retain and attract additional talented people.

The RJW principals and senior management are highly committed to the long term strategy of the group and will remain in place for at least three years. All of the equity owners of RJW have taken a substantial proportion of the consideration as shares in the ASX listed Slater & Gordon demonstrating their confidence in and commitment to the group.

Subject to regulatory approval, the acquisition of Russell Jones & Walker should be completed by April 2012.

About Russell Jones & Walker:
With over 85 years of experience, Russell Jones and Walker Solicitors (http://www.rjw.co.uk) are considered one of the UK's leading law firms with over 420 employees in 10 offices nationwide. Its focus has always been to provide accessible, affordable legal services for individuals. Neil Kinsella is one of the country's leading commentators on the changing face of the legal profession and aims to ensure that the firm remains at the forefront of it, irrespective of the likely new competition.

PR Contact:
Andy Hoe
Marketing Director
Russell Jones and Walker
50-52 Chancery Lane
London
WC2A 1HL
020 7657 1681
www.rjw.co.uk

This release was published on openPR.