Bendles’ managing partner John Stevenson explains how the law firm’s recent growth has strengthened its expertise and local presence available to clients.
Bendles Solicitors has been serving individuals, families and businesses across Cumbria for more than 200 years. While we’re proud of that history, one of the reasons the firm has continued to thrive is because we don’t stand still.
The legal landscape is constantly changing. Whether it’s planning for the future, managing family matters, buying property, running a business or navigating new regulations, clients need access to specialist advice they can trust.
That’s why the past six months have been such an important period for our firm.
In April, Bendles merged with Eden Valley-based Gaynham King & Mellor Solicitors (GK&M), bringing together two long-established Cumbrian firms with shared values and strong local roots. On September 1, we welcomed another respected local practice, Atkinson Ritson Solicitors, into the Bendles family.
For our clients, these developments are about far more than growth. They are about strengthening the services we offer across the county.
Bringing together talented legal professionals has created a larger team with wider specialist knowledge and experience. That means we’re better positioned to support clients through every stage of life, from writing a will and planning for the future to resolving disputes, or navigating significant life events.
While our team may have expanded, the personal service at the heart of the firm remains unchanged. Clients continue to work with people who understand their circumstances and priorities, while benefiting from access to a broader range of specialist expertise within the same company.
Alongside our offices in Carlisle, Wigton and Whitehaven, we now have bases in Penrith, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen. Being part of the local community has always been important to us. We know clients value the opportunity to meet their solicitor face-to-face, while our involvement in community events and sponsorships is an essential part of our strong, local connection.
The legal landscape will continue to evolve, and so will the needs of the people and businesses we serve. Our recent growth reflects our commitment to developing alongside them, ensuring that whenever clients need advice, guidance or representation, they have access to the expertise, personal service and local knowledge that have been at the core of Bendles for more than two centuries.
