Ellis Jones Solicitors has acquired fellow South Coast practice Scott Walby LLP following approval from the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

The deal is set to strengthen Ellis Jones’ footprint in Poole – and in Wimborne, where the firm already has a base on East Street.

Scott Walby’s seven-person team will transfer to join nearly 200 staff at the larger firm.

The newcomers include partners John Bulpit and Malcolm Scott Walby, who now become a partner and consultant solicitor at Ellis Jones respectively.

Both will continue to work from their office at Brooke House, Wimborne.

Nigel Smith, managing partner at Ellis Jones, said: “This is a significant acquisition for us, offering a hugely attractive growth opportunity and strengthening our service proposition for clients.

“Malcolm is a commercial law specialist with a particular interest in company/commercial and employment law.

“Likewise, John is a well-regarded commercial property expert and brings with him a loyal client following of developers and property investors.

“We heartily welcome Malcolm, John and all their team on board.”

Malcolm, a former president of Dorset Chamber, added: “This is an ideal way for our two firms to pool our legal experience and share in the success of a combined, full-service practice.”

Founded in 2005, Scott Walby specialises in company and commercial law, including employment issues, management buyouts and contracts, as well as private and commercial property, wills, trusts and probate issues.

Ellis Jones’ last acquisition was a 23-year-old criminal and motoring law practice based in Bournemouth, JM Law, in 2016.

Founder John Morrissey is now at Ellis Jones as a consultant solicitor and head of crime, motoring matters and inquests.