Freeths clinical negligence and Court of Protection teams to be acquired by Fletchers Group

Fletchers Group has agreed to acquire the clinical negligence and Court of Protection teams of Freeths LLP, strengthening its position as a leading UK provider of specialist legal services.

A total of 42 colleagues will join the Group, comprising 21 in clinical negligence and 21 in Court of Protection.

Under the agreement, the clinical negligence team will join Fletchers Solicitors, while the Court of Protection team will become part of EMG, a standalone business within Fletchers Group led by Emma Gaudern.

Freeths’ teams bring a strong reputation for high-value, complex work, with Tier 1 legal directory rankings across both disciplines, alongside a high-quality caseload including over 530 active clinical negligence cases and a substantial Court of Protection portfolio.

The Clinical Negligence team is led by Jane Williams and Carolyn Lowe. The Court of Protection team is led by Natasha Molloy.

Both teams are based in Nottingham, Oxford and Derby and will join Fletchers in June, expanding the Group’s reach and capability across these key regions.

Fletchers Group CEO Peter Haden said: “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.

“The Court of Protection team adds significant depth to our national offering, enabling us to support clients across their full journey – from serious injury and clinical negligence cases through to lifelong Court of Protection and private client services.

“These teams are a strong cultural fit for the Group, with a shared commitment to delivering excellent outcomes for clients, working collaboratively, and supporting our people to succeed.”

Emma Gaudern, CEO of EMG, said: “This is another important step in the continued growth of our Court of Protection business.

“Alongside our new colleagues from JE Bennett Law and Fletchers’ Court of Protection team, we are delighted to welcome the Freeths team to EMG as we continue to grow our specialist Court of Protection and private client business. With more than 300 colleagues across the business, this gives us even greater strength and depth to support clients with long-term and complex needs.”

Commenting on the deal, Freeths National Managing Partner Karl Jansen said: “We are proud of the strength and reputation our clinical negligence and Court of Protection teams have built, and the high-quality work they deliver for clients.

“The market continues to evolve, and long-term success in these specialist areas increasingly requires scale, focus and sustained investment. We are confident that Fletchers and EMG offer the right platform for our clients and our people, with the ambition and capability to support their continued growth.”

Jane Williams, Partner and Head of Clinical Negligence, East Midlands at Freeths, said: “I am excited to be joining Fletchers, recognised as one of the UK’s leading clinical negligence practices. There is no doubt in my mind that Fletchers is the perfect home for both our team and our clients. Our shared values and unwavering dedication to doing what is right for those we represent, many of whom have faced the most difficult times in their lives, make this transition a natural and positive step forward for everyone involved.” 

Natasha Molloy, Partner and Head of Court of Protection at Freeths, added: “I am pleased and excited to be joining Fletchers Group. I am delighted that we will be working alongside the highly respected and experienced Court of Protection practitioners from EMG Solicitors, JE Bennett Law and Fletchers. This is a fantastic opportunity for our team to be part of a nationwide force in Court of Protection, and we are confident that our values align as we come together to continue delivering exceptional outcomes for vulnerable individuals and their families.”

 This latest transaction builds on Fletchers Group’s recent expansion, including the recently announced additions of specialist businesses EMG and JE Bennett Law, alongside last year’s acquisition of Shoosmiths’ serious injury practice. Together, these moves reflect strong momentum as Fletchers Group continues to grow organically and through acquisitions, strengthening its capabilities across clinical negligence and Court of Protection.

Following completion, Fletchers’ clinical negligence business will comprise more than 400 colleagues managing over 10,300 cases, while EMG’s Court of Protection and private client business will grow to more than 300 colleagues, further strengthening its position as one of the UK’s largest specialist practice of its kind.

Peter Haden added: “Together, we are building a market-leading group of specialist, independent firms, each focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for clients in their area of law, supported by the scale of the Group to invest in growth, technology and M&A.”

The transaction is expected to complete in June. Financial terms are undisclosed.