Southerns and odonnells join forces to create leading team of mental health and capacity lawyers

Southerns Solicitors, which was founded in 1792, has acquired odonnells Solicitors, a long standing and distinguished firm based in Lancashire.

The deal will consolidate Southerns’ position as one of the leaders in the field of mental health, Court of Protection, and community care.

The combined team will operate from Glovers Court in Preston and Cooper House in Burnley, bringing together a wealth of talent and experience in this specialist area.

The partnership will enhance Southerns’ ability to offer expert legal support to the most vulnerable members of the community.

With this expansion, Southerns will have 10 Law Society Accredited mental health representatives, rising to 11 later in October and four Court of Protection Accredited legal representatives (ALRs).

The team is dedicated to supporting and protecting the rights of individuals and families, ensuring that those who are detained or vulnerable have their voices heard and their freedoms safeguarded.

Neil Cronin, managing director of Southerns, who also sits as a fee-paid Judge in the Mental Health Tribunal and is the current chair of the Mental Health Lawyers Association, said: “Bringing together both firms was an easy decision to make.

"Both Rachel Eastham of Southerns and Philippa Curran of odonnells have devoted their careers to defending the rights of the most vulnerable through their work in mental health and mental capacity law. Their combined expertise and leadership will significantly enhance the support and advocacy available to those in need.”

Philippa added: “We look forward to the future and the new opportunities this deal will bring. Our combined skills and shared values make the team a powerful force as we are committed to delivering outstanding legal services and protecting the rights of our clients.”

With offices across the North West, Southerns offers a wide range of legal expertise for individuals and businesses including:  residential property, wills and probate, and clinical negligence. 

Curly Top Ltd, Forbes Solicitors, Harrison Drury and MHA Moore & Smalley advised on the deal.