Prime Highlights
- Bendles Solicitors and Gaynham King & Mellor Solicitors have announced a merger to expand legal services across Cumbria.
- The combined firm will operate as Bendles Solicitors, incorporating Gaynham King & Mellor, with services continuing as normal for clients.
Key Facts
- The merger will officially take effect on April 1, 2026.
- Bendles has offices in Carlisle, Wigton and Whitehaven with over 60 staff, while Gaynham King & Mellor operates in Penrith, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen with a 20-member team.
Background:
Two long-established Cumbrian legal practices have confirmed plans to merge in a move aimed at strengthening legal services across the county.
Bendles Solicitors and Gaynham King & Mellor Solicitors will combine operations from April 1, 2026. The merged firm will trade as Bendles Solicitors, incorporating Gaynham King & Mellor. Both firms said day-to-day services will continue without disruption, assuring clients that existing teams and office locations will remain in place.
Bendles operates from Carlisle, Wigton and Whitehaven, while Gaynham King & Mellor serves clients in Penrith, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen. Leaders from both practices said the merger will widen their geographical reach and strengthen expertise across multiple areas of law.
John Stevenson, managing partner at Bendles, described the merger as a positive step for the region’s legal sector. He said the combined firm will build on the strengths of both organisations to provide a high standard of service throughout Cumbria. By bringing together complementary skills and resources, he added, the new structure will enhance depth and resilience across departments.
Bendles, founded more than 200 years ago as a family firm, employs over 60 staff across its three offices. Gaynham King & Mellor, established more than 30 years ago, has a team of 20 employees and a strong reputation for serving local communities.
Mark Graham, director at Gaynham King & Mellor, called the merger an exciting development for both teams. He said the firms share similar values, strong local roots and experienced professionals. Clients, he noted, will benefit from broader expertise while experiencing no change in the personal service they expect.
As part of the agreement, Mark Graham will join Bendles as an equity partner. Alex Birtles and Tanya Mellor will also become partners, maintaining leadership continuity. Kevin Lowther, currently a director at Gaynham King & Mellor, will continue to support the firm in a consultancy role.
Both firms said the merger positions the new entity for long-term growth while reinforcing its commitment to communities across Cumbria.
