Merger news: Thatcher + Hallam and Ames Kent join forces to increase the offering of legal services within Frome and Somerset.

On 18 December 2024, it has been announced that Thatcher + Hallam LLP, a long-standing law firm that has been ever present within Midsomer Norton since 1770, is incorporating Ames Kent in Frome.

As of 2nd January 2024, Ames Kent will be a trading name of Thatcher + Hallam, and the expansion of these two firms creates with it a much greater offering of services within both the Midsomer Norton and Frome, and surrounding areas.

Alongside the merger, Thatcher + Hallam are excited to welcome Katherine Oakes, the managing Partner of Ames Kent, to the senior Partnership team alongside Managing Partner, George Persson, Partner, Laura Ablett, and Senior Consultant, William Weller.

Thatcher + Hallam will also be welcoming a number of new faces in the form of the existing Ames Kent team, many of whom Frome locals will likely be familiar with.

When asked about the merger, George Persson said:
“Our merger with Ames Kent is of great importance to the support and growth of both firms. We are both historic firms that are deeply ingrained within the communities we serve. Merging is an excellent way to increase our legal service offerings both in Midsomer Norton and Frome, so that local people have local access to the legal advice they need.”

Katherine Oakes said:-
“I am excited for Ames Kent to be joining forces with Thatcher + Hallam. The merger represents an excellent opportunity for my local community to access not only property and Wills related matters, but also Family Law, Personal Injury and Medical Negligence, free advice services and in some circumstances, legal aid.”

Legal Services

At either Ames Kent or Thatcher + Hallam, clients can now access a range of services including:-

• Family Law, Divorce and Finances
• Personal Injury + Medical Negligence
• Conveyancing + Residential Property
• Commercial Business Law
• Wills + Probate
• Contentious Probate and Inheritance Disputes

Thatcher + Hallam will also be introducing their Free Legal Advice Surgery to the Ames Kent Branch in due course. Follow us on social media to keep updated.

FAQ

It is understandable that a merger may raise questions for potential and existing clients alike, below are some FAQ’s to assist:-

What do you mean by ‘merging’?
Merging with (or being incorporated by) Thatcher + Hallam means that we will continue to be known as Ames Kent, however the merger allows us to increase our legal service offering through Thatcher + Hallam and makes access to quality legal advice across added legal specialisms easier for local people and businesses.

Which new areas of law will we see coming to Ames Kent?
Through the merger, we will be able to offer other areas of practice such as Family Law and Divorce, Child Arrangements, Cohabitation Agreements, Pre-nuptial Agreements, Personal Injury, Medical Negligence, Employment, Commercial Business Law and an enhancement of our existing offering of Wills, Probate and Conveyancing that you may already be familiar with.

When did the merger take place?
The merger will be completed on 2nd January 2025.

Are either the Midsomer Norton T+H office or the Frome Ames Kent office going to move or close?
No. Ames Kent will remain in Frome and Thatcher + Hallam will remain in Midsomer Norton at The Island where they have always been. We are committed to remaining an integral part of the community for both branches.

How do I make an appointment to see someone?
You are welcome to arrange an appointment through Thatcher + Hallam or Ames Kent. There will be days that Thatcher + Hallam Lawyers will be in the Ames Kent Frome office for face to face appointments. You can contact each branch as following:-

Thatcher + Hallam LLP
01761 414646

Ames Kent
01373 462017

Who can I talk to if I have any questions about the merger?

If you have any questions regarding the merger, and how this may affect you, please contact the following:-

Thatcher + Hallam – George Persson | 01761 414646
Ames Kent – Katherine Oakes | 01373 462017

Get in touch with our friendly teams today

You can contact us by telephone, email or through our website.

For Ames Kent please go to http://ames-kent.co.uk

For Thatcher + Hallam please visit www.th-law.co.uk.

Stay up to date with merger news

Throughout 2025 there will be further exciting announcements about developments in the merger, to include the installation of our Free Legal Advice Surgery at Ames Kent and rebranding news. Follow us on our social media pages to get the latest news, as well as helpful bitesize information relating to the areas of law we serve, our charitable endeavours and the successes of our teams.