EMG and JE Bennett Law unite

In a significant development in the legal landscape, EMG Solicitors, the UK’s foremost independent Court of Protection practice, has agreed to join Fletchers Group, leading to the establishment of a dedicated Court of Protection and private client division. Along with EMG, the specialist Kent-based firm JE Bennett Law will also be integrated into the expanded EMG business, while Fletchers’ existing 30-strong Court of Protection team will transition into EMG. This consolidation aims to create one of the UK's largest and most experienced Court of Protection practices.

The merger will unite over 200 specialists across a national network of offices, all operating under the well-established EMG brand. EMG will complement Fletchers Group’s other specialist legal entities, including Fletchers Solicitors, Rayden Solicitors, Blume, and Medical Law Services. The alliance is set to leverage the Group’s scale, enhance investment in technology, and foster future growth opportunities including mergers and acquisitions.

Leading this venture will be EMG founder and CEO Emma Gaudern, who is set to join Fletchers’ management board. The new division is poised to continue offering a range of consumer legal services covering residential conveyancing, wills, probate, and family law. Additionally, JE Bennett Law, directed by founder and managing partner Jane Bennett, will be an integral part of the leadership team in this expanded EMG structure.

Discussing the integration, Fletchers Group CEO Peter Haden expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Emma, Jane and their colleagues to be part of the Group.” He further elaborated on the strategic advantages of this merger, highlighting the richness in expertise that both firms bring — “Bringing these teams together creates a specialist practice with real depth across the full spectrum of Court of Protection services, ranging from complex financial management and deputyships to high-value estates and trusts.”

Beyond financial administration, Haden remarked on the added benefits for clients, saying, “It will also provide a full-service health and welfare offering, supporting clients on some of the most complex health and care decisions, education law matters and continuing healthcare challenges.” He reiterated the significance of this merger in enhancing private client capabilities, aiming for a systematic build-up in different civil justice areas while expanding from its core specialities.

Emma Gaudern highlighted the benefits of aligning with Fletchers, stating, “During discussions with Peter and the team it quickly became apparent that Fletchers Group will be the best possible partner for our people and our clients.” She emphasised the importance of maintaining clear professional boundaries and safeguarding client confidentiality, indicating that any Court of Protection clients introduced to EMG will not be referred to Fletchers under any circumstances.

Jane Bennett expressed her commitment to helping vulnerable clients through this partnership, saying, “Both Fletchers and EMG share our passion for helping vulnerable people, and the new expanded business will provide us with the opportunity to reach far more clients across the country needing our specialist help.”

Looking ahead, the prospects for the new division appear promising. Emma Gaudern remarked on the accelerating pace of consolidation in the legal sector, indicating excitement about the potential for growth. “Consolidation in the legal sector is accelerating and we are excited to be a part of this significant shift in our industry,” she noted, reiterating the ambitious growth plans supported by Fletchers Group.

Peter Haden concluded with confidence in the leadership team, stating, “I am confident the team will quickly establish EMG as the pacesetter to watch, alongside our other specialist brands in the Group.” With both mergers receiving regulatory approval, the future of this newly formed entity is poised for substantial growth and impact in the legal field.