Doncaster law firm joins Switwalskis legal group

Yorkshire law firm Switalskis Solicitors has acquired Doncaster-based Atherton Godfrey LLP for an undisclosed sum, creating a £20m turnover business.
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Switalskis employs more than 250 staff across 11 Yorkshire offices, handling specialist legal services including medical negligence, brain and serious injury, childcare, wills and probate, residential and commercial property.

Atherton Godfrey specialises in commercial, property, personal injury, medical negligence, wills and probate, family and employment law.

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The combined Switalskis Group will employ 380 staff across 12 offices in West, North, and South Yorkshire.

Switalskis Group MD John Durkan with Don Bird and new director Sarah NaylorSwitalskis Group MD John Durkan with Don Bird and new director Sarah Naylor
Switalskis Group MD John Durkan with Don Bird and new director Sarah Naylor

Atherton Godfrey’s head of litigation John McQuater, head of personal injury Diane Parker and head of commercial and property Sarah Naylor join Switalskis as directors.

Don Bird has stepped down as managing partner and joins Switalskis as a consultant.

All four will continue in their departmental roles at Atherton Godfrey and the firm will continue to trade and act for clients under the Atherton Godfrey name.

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The combining of the firms puts Switalskis into the top 150 law firms in the country and makes it the third largest firm in Yorkshire with offices solely in the region.

Switalskis’ managing director John Durkan said: “Over the last 28 years Switalskis has grown, both organically and via a series of acquisitions, into a highly successful firm with a strong reputation and many practitioners recognised as leaders in their field, regionally and nationally.

"Atherton Godfrey is a well-respected firm throughout South Yorkshire, with a 42-year history and specialist staff covering many of the legal services required by individuals, families, organisations, and businesses.”

Don Bird said: “Atherton Godfrey has a strong reputation for providing high quality and client-focused legal services to individuals and businesses across the Doncaster and wider South Yorkshire region.

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"With the benefit of the additional network and resources of the Switalskis Group, we look forward to building on this for the benefit of our clients and those who work in our business.”

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