Vincents acquires Blackpool law firm

Preston’s Vincents Solicitors has expanded into Blackpool with the acquisition of Colebournes Solicitors and Advocates.

The deal makes Vincents one of the largest criminal law firms in Lancashire.

A specialist in criminal law, licensing law and motoring offences, Trevor Colebourne has been an established presence in Blackpool for more than 30 years and a regular fixture at the town’s magistrates courts, first as managing partner for Leslie Harris Priestley Fisher before setting up his own firm in in 2009. He comes as part of a team of four which will remain based in the existing office in Adelaide Street.

Trevor will become head of criminal legal services for Vincents, dividing his time between Blackpool and Preston and supporting colleagues across the firm’s other six offices, including those currently on the legal aid roster at police stations in Preston and Blackpool.

The acquisition is part of Vincents’ strategic growth plan, expanding both geographically and into new sector areas, and boosting expertise across all departments through recruitment and training. The move allows the firm to enhance both the Crown Court and Magistrates Court teams, cover police stations across the county, and establish an in-house chambers with lawyers representing clients in court in lieu of a barrister.

Phillip Gilmore, Vincents Solicitors managing partner, said the Blackpool acquisition’s appeal was clear: “Colebournes is one of the most recognised and respected criminal law firms in the region. With 40 years’ courtroom experience between them, this team has worked on high profile cases and has a great record in working with the police and the courts.

“This acquisition also gives us the additional geographic coverage we’ve been looking to achieve as part of our growth plan, expanding our motoring expertise and establishing a new licensing department. We already have offices throughout central Lancashire, the north and east of the region. Now, in conjunction with our existing Knott End and recently opened Lytham offices, Blackpool gives Vincents an equally strong presence on the Fylde coast and allows us to better support clients going through the courts in Blackpool and Fleetwood. It also gives more options to private and commercial clients in this area who are looking for a law firm with a fresh approach.”

As managing partner of Leslie Harris Priestley Fisher, Trevor Colebourne was instrumental in growing the business and set up one of Lancashire’s first in-house chambers in the mid 1990s, a scenario he intends to replicate with Vincents.

He said: “I enjoy working with likeminded people and see the future of this industry in a very similar way to the Vincents directors. This move provides me with the opportunity to work with a large team of experienced criminal lawyers and motoring experts to expand the services I’m currently offering in Blackpool, and establish a new team within the business with an in-house chambers service, and develop the licensing department. My team will have more support from being part of a bigger business and we are very happy to be bringing our expertise and experience to the Vincents business.” Trevor brings with him director Brett Chappell who heads up the police station and magistrates court department with specialist experience in youth court cases, Cheryl Colebourne who manages the crown court department with extensive experience in complex crime, homicide and sexual offences, and criminal law secretary Vicky Taylor.