Fletchers Group to acquire Freeths teams

13 May 2026News

Fletchers Group is set to acquire the clinical negligence and Court of Protection teams from Freeths LLP, enhancing its position in the UK legal landscape

A total of 42 professionals will transition to Fletchers, split evenly between the two teams. The clinical negligence team will become part of Fletchers Solicitors, while the Court of Protection team will join EMG, a dedicated business within Fletchers led by Emma Gaudern.

Freeths’ teams come with a notable reputation for handling high-value and complex cases, holding Tier 1 rankings in legal directories. Currently, the clinical negligence segment has over 530 active cases, while their Court of Protection portfolio is substantial, demonstrating the high level of expertise Freeths brings to the table. The clinical negligence department is headed by Jane Williams and Carolyn Lowe, while Natasha Molloy leads the Court of Protection team.

Peter Haden, CEO of Fletchers Group, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Our new clinical negligence colleagues will help reinforce our position as the UK’s largest clinical negligence practice, strengthening our support for clients with the most serious, life-changing injuries.” He further emphasised that the acquisition allows for comprehensive support across various legal needs from clinical negligence to lifelong Court of Protection services.

Emma Gaudern, CEO of EMG, remarked, “This is another important step in the continued growth of our Court of Protection business.” She highlighted the importance of collaboration with new colleagues, underscoring the strength that comes from having over 300 professionals within the business.

Freeths’ National Managing Partner Karl Jansen spoke on the evolution of the market, saying, “We are proud of the strength and reputation our clinical negligence and Court of Protection teams have built.” He believes that partnering with Fletchers and EMG offers the right platform for enhanced support to clients and staff.

Commenting on the move, Jane Williams noted, “I am excited to be joining Fletchers, recognised as one of the UK’s leading clinical negligence practices.” Her positive outlook suggests that the transition aligns well with shared values aimed at serving clients effectively.

Similarly, Natasha Molloy said, “I am pleased and excited to be joining Fletchers Group.” She expressed confidence in the alignment of values and the potential to deliver exceptional outcomes for vulnerable individuals.

The acquisition not only reflects Fletchers Group's strategy of organic growth but also builds on recent expansions, including previous additions of EMG and JE Bennett Law. Following the completion of this transaction in June, Fletchers Group's clinical negligence team will surpass 400 colleagues, managing more than 10,300 cases, while EMG's portfolio will bolster its team to over 300 professionals.

Overall, Peter Haden summarised the ambition of the merger, stating, “Together, we are building a market-leading group of specialist, independent firms.” The imminent acquisition is anticipated to set a new standard in providing targeted legal services across the UK, showcasing Fletchers Group's commitment to growth and excellence in legal care

Legal News desk contact: editorial@solicitorsjournal.com|

Employment tribunal cases rising sharply

Recent Ministry of Justice figures reveal a significant increase in open Employment Tribunal cases and challenges faced by employers

SRA updates guidance for litigation supervision

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has enhanced its supervision guidelines to clarify litigation conduct after recent court rulings

Millions of fathers lack parental responsibility

Many fathers may be surprised to learn about their parental responsibility rights and how to secure them

Re Poundstretcher: cross-class cramdown survives even when six landlord classes say no

The Chancery Division sanctions Poundstretcher's restructuring plan despite six dissenting landlord classes, applying the Adler and Petrofac framework.

Ponsford v Sali: a property partnership's messy divorce shows why documentation wins partnership disputes

The Chancery Division takes a pragmatic, evidence based approach to untangling a property partnership built on undocumented cash dealings.

North Somerset District Council v Secretary of State: failing the flood sequential test is not the end of the story

The Planning Court confirms that a failed flood risk sequential test still gets weighed in the planning balance, not treated as an automatic refusal.

Thomas Armstrong (Aggregates) v Housing Secretary: when landfill buries a quarry's right to be reviewed

The Planning Court applies Pilkington and Hillside to find a 1954 quarry permission can no longer be revived under the ROMP regime.

Clerkenwell Lifestyle v HG Construction: be careful what you call "agreed" in extension of time correspondence

The TCC enforces a £955,943 adjudication award after rejecting a contractor's late attempt to recast email exchanges as a binding settlement.

Ward v Donnellan: when both sides lie, "no order for costs" is not a free pass

The Court of Appeal overturns a no order for costs ruling, finding a judge let a dishonest claimant off too lightly.

London Borough of Camden v BW: when a single missing fact can decide a capacity case

The Court of Protection finds an expert's failure to explore one consequence, losing a placement, was enough to undermine his capacity assessment.

Griffiths v Essex County Council: EAT clarifies causation in discrimination remedy awards and sends pension loss back for recalculation

A single act of indirect disability discrimination can ground a full loss of earnings award, even where a later constructive dismissal claim was framed only...