We are delighted to announce that following months of preparation, Gilbert Stephens Solicitors have merged with Veitch Penny Solicitors as of October 1.

Both firms have been established for many years and are committed to providing practical and effective legal services. Veitch Penny’s Crediton office has been home to a legal practice since the late 1800s and Gilbert Stephens can also trace its history back to a firm which was founded in the late 1800s. In 1938 they moved to its current offices at 17 Southernhay East and since this date have undertaken a series of mergers and acquisitions and are delighted to welcome Veitch Penny Solicitors.

Gilbert Stephens will now employ over 130 people across its eight offices in Exeter, Crediton, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Ottery St Mary and Okehampton.

The merged firms offer a full range of legal advice including buying and selling property (residential and commercial), agricultural, private client work including wills, estate planning and administration of estates, dispute resolution, family and personal injury work. Independent Financial advice is available through the associated business Gilbert Stephens Financial Services Ltd.

“We are delighted to be welcoming Veitch Penny Solicitors to our team and it’s good to see the transition going smoothly despite all of the challenges of the past 12 months.

The firms have a very similar ethos and there will be advantages for clients who will be able to access a wider range of advice and resources” said Terry Bastyan, Managing Partner at Gilbert Stephens.

The merged firm will retain the name of Gilbert Stephens LLP and Veitch Penny will continue to be known as Veitch Penny but as part of Gilbert Stephens LLP. The Veitch Penny branches in Exeter and Crediton will remain open.

It’s exciting that two long established firms can come together in these changing times. The merger underlines the commitment of both firms to continuing to provide good quality legal advice as part of a modern and efficient legal profession and we look forward to what the future has in store!

If you have any questions or concerns about the merger you can contact us on 01392 424242.

Alternatively email [email protected]