A Yorkshire firm has acquired a local practice as it continues its expansion following the conversion to employee ownership.

Ison Harrison announced this month it had acquired Leeds-based Cohen Cramer Solicitors, a firm of 27 employees and £3m annual turnover.

Cohen Cramer staff will come over to Ison Harrison’s Leeds office in Duke House over the coming months with the intention that its office will close by the end of September. All staff will relocate to Duke House and there will be no redundancies.

The acquisition takes headcount at Ison Harrison beyond 300, with the firm now operating from 20 offices across Yorkshire.

Jonathan Wearing, Ison Harrison managing director, said: ‘By linking up with Cohen Cramer’s specialist lawyers, we are not only expanding our team but also enhancing our ability to serve our clients with a broader and more robust range of legal services.

‘Cohen Cramer’s strengths in regulatory and criminal law perfectly complement our existing capabilities, and their focus on military and animal-related injury claims will significantly enhance our personal injury practice. We are stronger and more versatile than ever before.’

Cohen Cramer was formed in 2009 after a merger between Howard Cohen & Co and Cramer Richards. Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022 – the most recently published – show the Cohen Cramer business had net assets of £2.55m and cash reserves of £216,000.

In 2022 Ison Harrison became a 100% employee-owned business and has since opened four new offices under the new model.

Wearing said the switch had been a key driver of success and led to ‘substantial’ expansion in the client base. 'It ensures that every member of our team is invested in the firm’s success, fostering a culture of commitment and excellence that directly benefits our clients,' he said.

Emma Mason, managing director of Cohen Cramer, added: ‘We are proud to become part of an innovative, employee-owned firm that shares our passion for client-centred legal practice.’

(L-R): Mike Massen, David Hall, Emma Mason, Jonathan Wearing, John Goodwin and Richard Coulthard

(L-R): Mike Massen, David Hall, Emma Mason, Jonathan Wearing, John Goodwin and Richard Coulthard