Ison Harrison has acquired North-West law firm Dootsons, marking its first expansion outside Yorkshire and increasing its total offices to 30. The employee-owned firm, which became 100% employee-owned in January 2022 with 17 offices and £16 million turnover, will see its revenue rise to £42 million following the deal. All 27 Dootsons staff will join Ison Harrison, bringing total employee count to 500.
Jonathan Wearing, managing partner of Ison Harrison, stated that expanding the firm’s footprint in the North-West, hot on the heels of establishing a presence in Manchester, represents a clear statement of intent for growth plans beyond its traditional heartland. The firm opened a Manchester city centre office in July as part of a strategy to provide high-quality, local legal support in community hubs.
Wearing emphasized that the firm’s expansion is driven by staff input, with most Yorkshire offices opened based on employee suggestions. He noted, “If someone makes a good business case, why would I say no to them?” The acquisition, facilitated by M&A platform Matchmaker⁺, adds three Dootsons offices in Leigh, Culcheth (Cheshire), and Newton-le-Willows (Merseyside).
Andrew Stockton, Dootsons’ managing partner, stated the merger preserves the firm’s 125-year reputation for trusted legal advice and personal service. “Joining Ison Harrison gives us the opportunity to protect that heritage while ensuring the practice is well placed for the future, with the backing of a £42m regional firm,” he explained.
Niamh Wilson, Ison Harrison’s partner and regional lead in Manchester, highlighted the strategic value of expanding across Greater Manchester to support local businesses and families.
