The partners of UK-based law firms Speechly Bircham and Charles Russell have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a merger that will see them combine their private wealth practices.

The partners of UK-based law firms Speechly Bircham and Charles Russell have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a merger that will see them combine their private wealth practices.

The new firm of Charles Russell Speechlys, which is set to open 1 November, will have 170 partners, a total of 500 lawyers with combined revenues of £135 million ($231 million), the firms said in a jointly issued statement.

James Carter of Speechly Bircham will be managing partner at the newly-merged firm, while Charles Russell at Christopher Page will be senior partner.

Charles Russell Speechlys will be headquartered in London with a network of offices in Europe and the Middle East. Relationships and networks throughout the US, Africa and the Caribbean will extend the geographical reach of the new firm, the statement said.

“The real work starts now. Our integration team, headed by David Green, is tasked with finding the very best elements of both firms and making them work effectively together. It will also be looking at workflow, team combinations and optimal use of office accommodation,” said James Carter, a corporate tax lawyer who is currently managing partner of Speechly Bircham.

“Looking to the future, patterns of global wealth and business are shifting and changing at an unprecedented rate: we aim to be out ahead of them. We will look to match or adopt the best practices in our pursuit of excellence,” he added.