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Top 100 law firm merges with Belfast practice with 100-year history
The West Country headquartered law firm, with a significant presence in Bristol, has taken a huge stride in its operations by merging with a Belfast-based law firm which boasts a legal legacy of 138 years.
UK Top 100 law firm, Foot Anstey has joined forces with McKees, forming Foot Anstey McKees as of June 2. The move comes amid a surge in Northern Ireland’s professional services sector and aligns closely with Foot Anstey’s strategy of cross-jurisdictional growth.
While expanding northward, Foot Anstey’s Bristol office has been growing steadily. First established in 2011 with just 10 staff, the firm relocated in 2017 to 2 Glass Wharf in Temple Quarter, reflecting its ambitions.
Today, more than 130 people are based in Bristol, a remarkable rise that has underpinned the firm’s standing as Bristol Law Society’s “Law Firm of the Year” on two occasions.
UK Top 100 law firm, Foot Anstey has joined forces with McKees, a Belfast-based practice with over 100 years of legal legacy
Boat Quay in Temple Quarter now marks the centre of Foot Anstey’s Bristol operations, supporting agile working with a reflection room, walking desks and cycle-friendly commuting access.
The Belfast tie-up expects to further Foot Anstey’s depth in sectors such as corporate, finance, retail & leisure, private wealth, real estate and dispute resolution, Islamic finance, charities and retail and consumer
The Belfast-based Alastair Keith, a corporate transactions specialist ranked Band 1 by Chambers, joins the expanded firm, while Avril McCammon, promoted to Partner in Belfast, brings over 30 years of banking and restructuring expertise.
Meanwhile, Bristol’s office continues to attract top talent.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in Foot Anstey’s story as we cement our growth into a truly national firm,” said Martin Hirst, managing partner at Foot Anstey. “Northern Ireland provides a critical gateway, and the combination offers significant opportunity to clients alike.”
Chris Ross, managing director of Foot Anstey McKees added: “It is clear that both firms share a commitment to delivering high‑quality client service, while fostering a collaborative culture to truly hone our legal talent.”
All photos: Foot Anstey McKees
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