Ellis Jones Solicitors has expanded with the opening of a new office on Somerleigh Road in Dorchester town centre.

Dorchester resident Chris Pemberton, a partner in wills, trusts and probate, is heading the full-service office with a dedicated team of staff.

It’s the eighth office for 178-strong Ellis Jones and strengthens its footprint in Dorset, Hampshire and London.

Nigel Smith, managing partner, was born in Dorchester and has strong links with the town.

“Dorchester is a growing town with strong community values which match our own,” he said.

“Chris has been steadily building our client base in the area over the past four years, and we believe that now is the perfect time to set up our new office as the logical next step.

“As a law firm, we think it’s important to have an office in the heart of the county town, rather than being located on the outskirts of the town, to fill a gap and best serve the people and businesses of Dorchester and the surrounding area.

“We pride ourselves at being at the centre of the community and we look forward to playing our part in Dorchester’s continued growth and success.”

Departments at the new office include banking, finance and gambling; business services; criminal; dispute resolution; employment; family; fertility; insolvency and restructuring; intellectual property; LGBT; personal injury; residential and commercial property; sport; and wills, trusts and probate.

Ellis Jones is among the sponsors of this year’s Dorchester Business Awards, which are due to be held on 3 April 2025.

Its Dorchester office follows expansion in 2023 with the acquisition of Wimborne-based Scott Walby LLP.

• ellisjones.co.uk