A CUMBRIAN legal firm is continuing its impressive expansion with the acquisition of a Cumbrian law practice – just months after a high-profile merger.
Bendles Solicitors will acquire Atkinson Ritson on September 1, 2026, in a deal which will strengthen the services both law firms provide to their growing client bases.
John Stevenson, Managing Partner at Bendles, said: “We are delighted with this agreement with Atkinson Ritson. It continues our development and adds real expertise and experience to the firm.
“Atkinson Ritson is a well-respected and established firm with a similar outlook to ourselves. We now have increased strength in depth across a larger geographical footprint which we believe is beneficial to our clients. This is an exciting time for Bendles and we see continued growth for the firm over the coming months and years.
“It will be business as usual for both firms and there will be no disruption to the services we provide and existing relationships, contacts and day‑to‑day work will continue as before, with the same people delivering the same high standard of advice and support.”
The latest acquisition comes after Bendles merged with Gaynham King & Mellor Solicitors in April, bringing together two well-respected firms operating throughout Cumbria.
Bendles has offices in Carlisle, Wigton, Whitehaven, Penrith, Appley and Kirkby Stephen.
Established as a family firm more than 200 years ago, Bendles Solicitors now employs more than 100 members of staff after taking on all 20 current employees of Atkinson Ritson, which includes three directors.
Atkinson Ritson was formed following a merger of three Cumbrian law firms, Atkinson & North, Hetherington Ritson & Company and Saul & Lightfoot. Its team is now excited for the next chapter working with the wider Bendles team.
Kate Wheeler, Director at Atkinson Ritson, said “We are delighted by the coming together of two long-established firms and look forward to the continuation of excellent service to our clients.”
Bendles provides expertise across a wide range of personal and business law specialisms, and this will be complemented by the Atkinson Ritson team which provides legal services in agriculture, family law, commercial and residential property and Wills, Trusts & Estates.
