Based on detailed discussions over recent months, both firms share a strategic vision of how this merger will allow them to build on existing strengths and also allow them to expand the range and depth of services on offer to their clients and the wider market place, including building on EC3 Legal’s international relationships.
Originally founded by David and Gisèle Coupe in 2012 and based in the City, EC3 Legal is recognised as a leading insurance firm providing in-depth legal expertise to clients of every level, including industrial bodies such as market committees, trade associations, regulators and other professional bodies both inside and outside the UK. With a cohort of 20 staff members offering support to around 200 clients, EC3 Legal is a sizeable firm with a broad reach.
The merger will allow Birketts to build upon its burgeoning reputation for international work for clients based in the UK and to those abroad with financial or business interests in the UK. To help drive this forward Mark Pinder, who has experience of a broad spectrum of international businesses, and Jonathan Hulley, a highly-regarded social housing specialist who both joined the firm as Partners in March will join the team in London to develop a national offering.
Jonathan Agar, CEO (pictured), said of the union: “We are delighted to announce details of this exciting merger. This is a wonderful opportunity for Birketts to build on the impressive strides we have already made and establish a London presence. The specialist services provided by EC3 Legal are ones that fit seamlessly in to Birketts’ full service offering as we look to extend our geographical reach while remaining committed to our East Anglian roots.”
James Austin, Senior Partner added: “Like Birketts, EC3 Legal offers a rounded approach to the delivery of legal services and have garnered a reputation for being approachable as well as commercially minded. Their contemporary thinking and modern approach to delivering services, helps them to stand out in a highly competitive marketplace. Their focus on client experience coupled with an outlook that puts their clients at the heart of everything they do, makes them an obvious cultural fit for Birketts and we look forward to what the future holds.”
David Coupe, Senior Partner at EC3 Legal concluded: “The focus of EC3 Legal has always been on serving our client’s businesses. Following the merger with Birketts, I am confident that our clients will continue to be the biggest beneficiaries, as the two practices will be able to expand and develop the range of services on offer to new and existing clients.”