Birketts Expands Its Bristol Presence with Strategic New Appointments and Grows Partner Team to Ten

A New Chapter of Growth and Expertise in the Southwest

Leading UK-based law firm Birketts has taken a significant step forward in strengthening its presence in Bristol by welcoming three senior legal professionals to its growing team. The expansion, announced in June 2025, brings the total number of partners in the Bristol office to ten, marking a notable milestone in the firm’s regional development strategy.

Meet the New Additions to the Bristol Team

The firm’s newest hires bring a wealth of experience across key legal sectors, further enhancing Birketts’ ability to serve clients with complex and high-value legal needs in the Southwest and beyond.

Barny Croft has joined as a Partner in Private Wealth Disputes, bringing with him deep expertise in contentious probate, trust disputes, and estate-related litigation. With a reputation for resolving sensitive family disputes and high-net-worth inheritance conflicts, Croft adds critical strength to Birketts’ expanding Private Client practice.

Stephanie Kingdon, appointed as a Partner in Property Disputes, is a seasoned legal mind with extensive experience in the retail, infrastructure, energy, and renewables sectors. Her industry insights and track record of handling large-scale disputes position her as a powerful addition to the firm. Kingdon’s arrival reunites her with long-standing colleague Patrick Wetherall, who was appointed Partner earlier this year.

Lucia Mills joins as a Legal Director in the Property Disputes division, specifically supporting the Home Ownership Disputes Team. Mills specialises in matters involving the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA), offering clients nuanced advice in often contentious shared ownership and property trust matters.

Strategic Growth Reflects Birketts’ Regional Commitment

These appointments align with Birketts’ broader strategy of building regional strength through sector-focused legal expertise. The Bristol office, which has grown rapidly since its launch, now boasts ten partners, following the recent promotions of Patrick Wetherall and Damocles Merry.

With the legal market in the Southwest expanding, especially across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and private wealth, Birketts is positioning itself as a go-to firm for complex legal challenges.

Looking Ahead

This latest move signals more than just growth — it represents Birketts’ dedication to investing in top-tier talent, fostering long-term client relationships, and providing highly specialised legal support in one of the UK’s most dynamic regional hubs.

As the Bristol legal landscape evolves, Birketts is making clear that it intends to lead from the front. With a reinforced team and a growing client base, the firm is well-poised to deliver continued success in the years ahead.