Historic Sheffield law firm Bell & Buxton Solicitors has announced a landmark merger with Sills & Betteridge Solicitors, completed on 1 September, forming a new powerhouse in the Sheffield legal market.
Bell & Buxton has been a pillar of legal excellence in Sheffield for 150 years, renowned for its litigation and corporate law practices. Over the decades, the firm has built a reputation for top-tier services and long-standing client relationships.
Sills & Betteridge, established in 1759, already operates 16 offices across Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and the East Midlands, with more than 400 partners and staff. Its expansion into South Yorkshire began in 2019 with the acquisition of Bridge Sanderson Munro Solicitors of Doncaster, Bawtry, Thorne and Wath upon Dearne. In 2021 the firm extended its presence into Sheffield through the acquisition of Rawson Family Law, followed two years later by Acclaimed Family Law. The team now occupies offices at New Oxford House, Barker’s Pool, in the regenerated Heart of the City quarter.
The Bell & Buxton team will remain at Telegraph House for the foreseeable future.
The merger of these two Legal 500 ranked firms will create one of the largest law firms in Sheffield, with a turnover exceeding £25 million. The combined practice – to be known initially as Sills & Betteridge incorporating Bell & Buxton – will offer an expanded suite of services across multiple areas of law, leveraging the strengths of both firms.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Sills & Betteridge Solicitors,” said Matthew Rodgers, Partner at Bell & Buxton. “This merger represents a significant step for both firms as we respond to the changing legal landscape and the evolving needs of our clients. By coming together, we can offer a wider range of services while maintaining the trusted, personal relationships that both firms have built with generations of clients. With a strong cultural fit and shared values, we look forward to reinforcing the Sills & Betteridge brand in the Sheffield market, building on their previous successful merger with Acclaimed Family Law.”
Partner Alex Ross added: “We would also like to acknowledge the help and support given to us by Adam Ames, Jo Cresswell and Alicia Williams of Shorts Accountants throughout the merger. They have been an integral part of the process.”
Martyn Hall, Chief Financial Officer at Sills & Betteridge, said: “Our firms share a common vision of excellence and client service and by combining our talents and resources, we will enhance our ability to deliver innovative and effective legal solutions in Sheffield. Sills & Betteridge has ambitious growth plans, and this merger marks a major step forward in our regional expansion strategy.”
