A professional services firm specialising in advice to cultural, educational and creative organisations has announced a merger with North Yorkshire firm Hall & Birtles. Counterculture, which has offices in Manchester, Edinburgh and Brighton, describes itself as 'one of only a handful of fully-regulated law firms who also provide other client services', including strategic and business advice. Absorbing Hall & Birtles will enable the firm to expand its legal offering. 

Hall & Birtles Solicitors, based in Leyburn and Hawes, specialises in residential and commercial property; wills, trusts and probate; together with family matters. Its clients include charities.

According to a statement, the combined businesses will offer existing Hall & Birtles’ clients a comprehensive range of professional services including business advice, employment law and accountancy. Meanwhile, Counterculture is now able to supply legal services to individuals to compliment those that have been available to organisations.

Stuart Hall, Counterculture LLP

Stuart Hall, senior partner at Counterculture

Alastair Birtles, who along with Stuart Hall, becomes a senior partner at Counterculture, said: 'We’re thrilled the merger is now official and Hall & Birtles solicitors are now part of Counterculture Partnership LLP. We have always looked for the business to grow and we feel that this merger provides for us to expand our legal expertise together with other varied and exciting opportunities.'

Tom Watson, president of Counterculture, added: 'The merger with Hall & Birtles represents an exciting opportunity for Counterculture, meaning we are in a position to offer an enhanced range of services to all of our clients, both new and old.'