Vincents moves into Chorley

Law firm Vincents Solicitors is expanding with a merger with Chorley practice Yates Barnes.

The combined operation will become Vincents’ Chorley office, with founders Allan Yates and Sue Barnes being joined by a new five-strong team to offer the full range of legal services.

Yates Barnes has been established in Chorley for more than 30 years, providing niche commercial legal services and civil litigation to clients from across the county. Vincents intends to expand the service offering with a new in-house residential conveyancing department, and to provide local people with access to personal injury, medical negligence, family and personal legal services via the wider Vincents team.

Vincents managing partner Phillip Gilmore said the move not only supports the firm’s geographic expansion but also strengthens the corporate, commercial and property departments. He said: “Yates Barnes is a well-respected niche practice which punches far above its weight in terms of its client portfolio. Allan and Sue have an impressive reputation and have represented a number of clients for more than two decades, for whom we will be able to provide additional support.

“We have been looking for a business to partner with in the southern part of the county, from where we can better serve our existing clients in this area, and attract more individuals, families and businesses by providing a local high street office. There is definitely the market for a full service law firm like Vincents in Chorley, and we’re looking forward to opening officially later this month.”

The amalgamation also provides security and continuity for Yates Barnes’ existing clients as Allan and Sue look to the future. Sue said: “Allan and I have excellent relationships with a number of large Lancashire business clients who appreciate our discretion and track record. Following this amalgamation, we will both continue to work hard for those clients but with added support from the highly experienced Vincents commercial department, which will allow us to take things a little easier in the coming years.” Vincents Chorley will be based at Yates Barnes offices in St Thomas Road, which will be refurbished and prepared for the additional staff in September.