Leading South Wales law firm Everett Tomlin Lloyd and Pratt has strengthened its agricultural and private client team with the acquisition of the well respected Usk practice of Jonathan Stephens and Co.
ETLP currently has over 40 staff across offices at Gold Tops Newport and Clarence Chambers, Pontypool. In recent years the firm has been actively building its private client agricultural and commercial departments and now acts for many well known local and national businesses.
ETLP has announced that while Jonathan Stephens and his staff will be initially based at its Gold Tops headquarters as the practice is committed to maintaining and developing its presence in Usk they have opened an additional office with meeting room facilities in the town at Sessions House, the historic Grade 2 listed former courthouse.
Jonathan Stephens and Co was a non contentious practice mainly dealing with specialist agricultural legal issues for clients throughout Wales and the West Country. Founder and principal Jonathan Stephens has received praise over the last 25 years from Chambers Directory Legal 500 who describe the practice as a “leading firm in the agricultural sector” with “ a strong reputation for agricultural work”. Stephens is described as “vastly experienced” and “charming”.
Ashley Harkus, Managing Partner of ETLP, said: “We have been working more closely with Jonathan for some time now and I am delighted that he has agreed to bring his considerable skills and dedicated staff to join us at ETLP.
“Jonathan is a well respected lawyer and recognised agricultural law specialist. We have been looking to strengthen our agricultural practice and have a presence in the Usk Valley for some time. All of our lawyers are looking forward to working with Jonathan, his clients and local businesses .”
Jonathan Stephens said: “Having practiced in Usk for more than thirty years it was very important to me that my new firm was really committed to having a base in the area and looking after my clients.
“I’ve enjoyed working closely with the private client, litigation, residential and commercial property team at ETLP who have helped my clients over the last few years and I am confident that the time is right for me to take the next step and join the firm.
“I’m delighted my staff have agreed to join such a progressive and friendly firm and I now look forward to the future with our new colleagues.”