AN HISTORIC Liverpool law firm with strong links to the trade union movement has merged with another city practice.
Established in 1902, Behn Twyford specialises in employment law, litigation and accidents and injuries and has a history of working for trade unions. It has provided legal services for TGWU (now Unite the Union) since its inception in 1922 and for USDAW since its inception in 1947.
The merger with EAD Solicitors is aimed at complementing its existing specialised work.
EAD built its reputation on personal injury and employment litigation and also has close links with the trade union movement, both locally and wider afield.
The merger brings three partners and one solicitor into EAD’s existing staff.
Mike Sexton, managing partner of EAD said: “We are proud to be one of the main legal service providers for a number of major trade unions in the UK. Merging with Behn Twyford strengthens our union links even further and the practice’s ethos is an excellent fit with our own, making this a step forward for both sides.”
The practice was originally established by John A Behn, who started his business from offices at 125 and 139 Dale Street in 1902, working as a sole practitioner specialising in workmen's compensation claims and police court work.
He was later joined in practice by George Twyford and Monty Reece, becoming Behn Twyford & Reece. The firm moved to Number One Moorfields in 1997.
Sue Graham, senior partner of John A Behn, Twyford & Co, said: “Here at Behn Twyford’s we are immensely proud of our heritage and links to the trade union movement, the firm having supported workers’ rights since the 1900s. We are therefore delighted that this merger not only brings together two firms sharing the same core values but broadens the spectrum of services that we are able to provide to our clients.”
Founded in 1974, EAD Solicitors is known for its work on industrial problems. Its specialist solicitors have received the Legal Services Commission Quality Assurance Mark for dealing with medical negligence and personal injury.
