Law firm Simpson Millar puts 100 jobs at risk with department closure plans

A law firm with offices across England and Wales has put 100 jobs at risk after it announced a company-wide restructure.

Simpson Millar has said the move will "ensure that the business is operating in the most efficient way possible, and so that it can focus on further investment in its growth areas".

As part of the reorganisation, the firm is proposing a reduction in the range of private client legal services that it offers but it will retain its three core practice areas - injury, public and private.

This includes plans to exit the dispute resolution, employment, and wills trusts and probate markets.

Simpson Millar added that it is also in "advanced discussions with a reputable firm" over the acquisition of its conveyancing WIP and the transfer of its conveyancing team.

The firm has offices in Billingham, Cardiff, Lancaster, Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Catterick, Leeds and London.

Chief executive Greg Cox said: "Simpson Millar is a great business, and we firmly believe that we have the opportunity to really challenge the legal market and the way that legal services are offered to clients.

"However, like all firms in the legal sector we must adapt to the changing legal services market – including the extension of fixed costs to large parts of civil litigation - and wider external forces.

"The proposed restructure takes into consideration these challenges and provides us with an opportunity to review our operational efficiencies, get the firm ready for the forthcoming changes and further invest in our growth areas.

"We are pleased to say that we are now in advanced discussions regarding the acquisition of our conveyancing work, and the transfer of staff.

"Sadly, however, we have also entered into consultation with those colleagues whose roles are affected by other changes. As you will appreciate, we can’t comment further on the outcome of any consultation at this time.

"Our priority is to support those affected, and to ensure that we continue to provide a great service to our clients during this transition. We continue to have the full support and backing of our investors."

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