Regional law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors has expanded with the opening of a new office in Dorchester town centre.

It has invested in the county town with the premises in Somerleigh Road, off Princes Street, to meet rising demand in the area.

Dorchester resident Chris Pemberton, who is a partner in the wills, trusts and probate department, is heading the full-service office with a dedicated team of staff.

It is 178-strong Ellis Jones’ record eighth office and strengthens its presence in Dorset, Hampshire and London.

Ellis Jones managing partner Nigel Smith, who was born in Dorchester and has strong links with the town, said: “Dorchester is a growing town with strong community values which match our own.

“Chris has been steadily building our client base in the area over the past four years and we believe that now is the perfect time to set up our new office as the logical next step.

“As a law firm, we think it is important to have an office in the heart of the county town, rather than being located on the outskirts of the town, to fill a gap and best serve the people and businesses of Dorchester and the surrounding area.

“We pride ourselves at being at the centre of the community and we look forward to playing our part in Dorchester’s continued growth and success.”

There will be dedicated lawyers heading up different services at the office. Departments include banking, finance and gambling; business services; criminal; dispute resolution; employment; family; fertility; insolvency and restructuring; intellectual property; LGBT; personal injury; residential and commercial property; sport; and wills, trusts and probate.

With a population of more than 22,000 Dorchester is home to Dorset Council, Dorset County Hospital and King Charles’ Poundbury development.

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

Its investment in the Dorchester office follows expansion in 2023 with the acquisition of Wimborne-based Scott Walby LLP.

The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners ranked law firm, with 25 partners, will provide its full range of legal services in Dorchester.

Ellis Jones 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.

PICTURE: EXPANSION: Regional law firm Ellis Jones has expanded into Dorchester. Pictured at its new office are, from left, Partner Chris Pemberton, Operations Manager Samantha Church and Managing Partner Nigel Smith