Cumbrian law firms Bendles Solicitors and Gaynham King & Mellor Solicitors have announced they are merging.
The move aims to strengthen the services offered by both firms by building depth and expertise across their offices in the county.
Bendles has offices in Carlisle, Wigton and Whitehaven, and Gaynham King & Mellor has bases in Penrith, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen.
Day-to-day services for clients at both firms will remain unchanged, with the newly merged business known as Bendles Solicitors incorporating Gaynham King & Mellor.
John Stevenson, Managing Partner at Bendles, said: “We are delighted with the merger, which will further strengthen the presence of Bendles and Gaynham King & Mellor across Cumbria, enhancing our geographical reach and depth of expertise.
“With two strong firms coming together, our shared aim is to build on our complementary expertise and resources to deliver the highest standard of service to clients across the county.”
Established as a family firm more than 200 years ago, Bendles Solicitors employs more than 60 people across its three offices, while Gaynham King & Mellor has been providing legal services to clients for more than 30 years and has a team of 20 staff.
Mark Graham, director at Gaynham King & Mellor, said: “This is an exciting step for both firms, bringing together two businesses with strong local roots and highly experienced, dedicated teams.
“Clients can be reassured that it will very much be business as usual, with the benefit of significant additional strength in depth from our combined teams.”
As part of the merger, Mark will become an equity partner in Bendles, while Alex Birtles and Tanya Mellor will become partners, ensuring continuity of leadership and expertise.
Kevin Lowther, who is currently a director of Gaynham King & Mellor, will continue to work with the team on a consultancy basis.
The merger is to be effective from April 1, 2026.
