Nelsons, part of Lawfront, the fast-growing legal services group, is rounding off 2025 by acquiring longstanding Derby firm Simpson Jones.
Established in 2010 by founder and partner Joanne Jones, the firm specialises in residential conveyancing and also advises on commercial property and wills and probate.
Stewart Vandermark, Chief Executive at Nelsons, said:
“Following the acquisition of Burton-based Else Solicitors in January, we are proud to be ending the year as strongly as we started.
“With the legal market consolidating and Nelsons’ ongoing plan to grow throughout the region, we saw this acquisition as an opportunity to further enhance our client offering
“Simpson Jones is a well-established name in the Derby conveyancing market, it was clear from the start there was alignment of culture and values between our firms and that together we would be stronger. I am pleased to welcome Joanne and the team and working with them in the coming months.”
Over the last 15 years, Simpson Jones has grown and evolved significantly, completing thousands of property transactions and providing specialist conveyancing services for its clients. Speaking on the acquisition, Joanne said:
“As a firm, the focus has been on delivering the highest level of service to our clients. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved during this time, but it felt like the right time to look at the future.
“An opportunity came up to explore becoming part of Nelsons, and having worked with them over the years, it quickly became clear that their culture, values and commitment to client care aligned perfectly with ours.
“I’ve always been passionate about supporting the Derby community and I’m delighted to remain rooted here, while joining a firm that operates across the East Midlands. This new chapter will allow us to offer even greater support to our current clients and employees, who will now benefit from the greater resources that Nelsons as a Lawfront firm can provide.”
Neil Lloyd, Lawfront CEO, said:
“Lawfront brings its expertise and resources to help to achieve the growth ambitions of our firms’ leadership teams. The Simpson Jones acquisition by Nelsons is a great example of this strategy in action. We welcome our colleagues at Simpson Jones to Lawfront and into Nelsons.”
Clients of Simpson Jones with current matters have been notified, and any archived files, Wills or deeds will be transferred to Nelsons for safekeeping.