Coodes Solicitors strengthens South West presence with acquisition of Christopher Key Solicitors

Leading South West law firm Coodes Solicitors has acquired Boscastle-based Christopher Key Solicitors (CKSL), further strengthening its presence across Cornwall and Devon.

The acquisition marks a positive step for both firms – supporting Coodes’ ongoing growth strategy under its new leadership, while enabling Chris Key to step back from practice, assured that his clients and team will continue to be well cared for.

Established in 1998, CKSL has built a strong reputation across North Cornwall and Devon, particularly valued for its personal service in residential property, commercial property and wills and probate – areas that complement Coodes’ own expertise.

Coodes is part of the fabric of the South West and one of the UK’s longest-established law firms, having been founded in 1747. With more than 180 staff across eight offices in Cornwall and Devon, the firm combines deep local roots with a vision for growth and a longstanding commitment to the communities it serves across the region and beyond.

Elise Alma, Chair of Coodes, said the acquisition of CKSL reflected these ambitions while staying true to the culture and values that have defined Coodes for more than 275 years.

Elise said: “CKSL has earned the trust and respect of discerning clients with residential and commercial property matters to resolve. The private client element of the practice also aligns with and complements our strategic focus as we look to extend our presence north and east in the years ahead.

“The strong, lasting client relationships developed by Chris and his team make a seamless continuity of service for every client our immediate priority. Our new clients will benefit from the breadth of Coodes’ expertise and the same attentive personal service, delivered by the same people they have come to trust, who know the area and its nuances.”

Chris Key explained that as he looked to step back from practice, it was important to find a successor firm that shared his values and commitment to clients.

He said: “After many rewarding years, the time is right for me to step back from the day-to-day pressure of a busy practice. I wanted a successor that would look after my clients and my team as I would. And Coodes definitely fits that bill.

“I’ve worked positively with several members of the Coodes team over the years and have great confidence in their standards, values and local understanding, which is critical to delivering the legal services my clients have come to value.

“It is reassuring to ease into a new phase, knowing my clients will be in very safe hands and able to access an increased range of services to meet their personal and commercial needs.”

This year marks a new chapter in Coodes’ history, with a transformed leadership team at the helm to drive the firm’s continued growth and innovation. Elise Alma succeeded Peter Lamble as Chair following his retirement after 23 years with the firm, while Partner Abi Lutey was appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Becky Hosken became Chief People Officer (CPO).

Abi Lutey, Chief Operating Officer at Coodes, said: “Chris has built an impressive and highly regarded practice, and we are delighted he has chosen Coodes to carry on that legacy, recognising much in our firm that matches his own.

“This acquisition strengthens our capabilities in an important area of potential growth for us and aligns with our wider growth ambitions, both geographically and in the strength and depth of our private client and business services.  We have agreed to maintain and deliver the client work for existing and new staff from Chris’ office in Boscastle.”

With eight other offices located throughout Cornwall and Devon, Coodes Solicitors has built a well-deserved reputation for providing individuals and businesses with exceptional legal services and is recognised as a leading law firm in both the Legal 500 and UK Chambers and Partners guides.

While its history and roots lie firmly in the South West, it is also of increasing national significance, both for the level of expertise it offers, in wide-ranging and niche areas of legal practice, and its growth into an £11 million-plus business, placing it among the top four per cent of UK law firms by turnover.

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