Solicitors and their guests toasted the opening of regional law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors’ new Dorchester office at a launch party.

They marked the occasion with food, drinks and entertainment during the event at the Dorset Museum and Art Gallery in the town centre.

Ellis Jones, with 178 staff including 25 partners, opened the Dorchester office – its eighth across Dorset, Hampshire and London – in Somerleigh Road earlier this year.

Managing Partner Nigel Smith, Partner Chris Pemberton and members of the Ellis Jones team welcomed nearly 70 clients, business associates and contacts to the party.

Nigel said: “We think Dorchester is a really vibrant place to be.

“It’s a great community with some fantastic businesses. We’re grateful for the very warm welcome our new office and its team have received from businesses and residents.

“We are incredibly excited about being part of the county town and look forward to working with the community in the times ahead.”

Nigel was born and bred in Dorchester where he attended Maud Road, St Osmund’s and Hardye’s schools.

He was born in the maternity unit at the former Dorset County Hospital in Somerleigh Road before the hospital relocated and its building were converted into homes and offices – including one now occupied by Ellis Jones.

Chris, who is a Partner in Wills, Trusts & Probate, is a Dorchester resident who heads up the Dorchester office.

Its departments include banking, finance and gambling; business services; criminal; dispute resolution; employment; family; fertility; insolvency and restructuring; intellectual property; LGBTQ+; personal injury; residential and commercial property; sport; and wills, trusts and probate.

Ellis Jones is among the sponsors of this year’s Dorchester Business Awards, which are due to be held on 3 April 2025.

The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners ranked law firm also has offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Wimborne and Swanage as well as Ringwood in Hampshire and Fleet Street in London.

Visit https://www.ellisjones.co.uk/contact/dorchester-solicitors/ to find out more about its Dorchester office.