This strengthens Askews’ capacity in criminal defence, adding decades of specialist experience and reinforcing the firm’s commitment to providing services across the full legal spectrum.
The deal marks the fourth strategic acquisition for Askews in just over a year, cementing its reputation as the partner of choice for law firm owners seeking a secure and seamless exit.
Over the last 12 months or so, Askews has acquired Cocks Lloyd Solicitors in Nuneaton, Smalleys Solicitors in Nottingham, and John Mohamed & Co in Bedworth.
The size of the business has doubled as a result of the investment, both in terms of revenue and number of employees, which has increased from 60 to 120.
Askews was formed 12 years ago by Pritpal Chahal, Kuljeet Sandhu and Teerath Gill, who have their sights set on growth after spending the last decade establishing a strong foundation as a modern law firm which uses software and technology to streamline processes.
Helping firms secure their legacies
Kuljeet Sandhu, Askews Legal LLP Partner and Head of Acquisitions, said: “Our growth is targeted. We look for firms with deep, specialist expertise, like Wallace McNally, whose values align with ours. This fourth acquisition proves that our integration model works - we provide a financially sound, compliant, and culturally-sensitive home for firms looking to secure their legacy and ensure clients continue to receive high-quality service.”
Former Wallace McNally partner, Mohammad Farooq, will now continue as part of the Askews Legal family. He said: “For me, the decision came down to securing my clients’ future and continuing to give them an excellent all-round service in criminal defence, while at the same time being able to step back from the ever-increasing burden of regulation and administration.
“Askews Legal’s track record, especially with their recent rapid acquisitions, gave me confidence that the transition would be smooth. I can now ensure my professional work and clients are in safe hands while gaining a clean, decisive exit.”
Actively seeking more principals looking for an exit
Continuing its plans for growth, Askews Legal LLP has allocated significant resources to its acquisition strategy and is actively on the look-out for further opportunities across the UK, and particularly in the Midlands region.
The team is specifically keen to talk to:
- Sole practitioners and partners looking for a secure exit strategy or retirement planning
- Firms where principals want to reduce or eliminate the non-fee-earning demands of running a business
- Practices with strong, niche specialisms that complement its full-service offering
Askews Legal LLP is a highly accredited full service law firm, taking care of legal matters across criminal law, litigation, commercial property, public family law, conveyancing, wills, estates and trust, and all aspects of corporate and employment law.
Practice manager, Pritpal Chahal, added: “We put a lot of time and effort into finding the right businesses to bring into the Askews group, and equally, they have to choose us too. Principals partnering with Askews can expect a simple, transparent process that allows their fee earners to focus exclusively on client work, leveraging our robust back-office, compliance and IT infrastructure.”
