Bendles Solicitors Becomes One Of Cumbria’s Largest Law Firms After Major Expansion.
Bendles Solicitors has strengthened its position as one of Cumbria’s largest law firms following a period of significant expansion during 2026.
The firm, which has served individuals, families and businesses across Cumbria for more than 200 years, has expanded through two major developments in recent months. In April, Bendles merged with Gaynham King & Mellor Solicitors, bringing together two long established Cumbrian legal practices. The merger expanded Bendles’ geographical reach with offices in Penrith, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen joining its existing bases in Carlisle, Wigton and Whitehaven.
The latest development came on September 1, when Atkinson Ritson Solicitors joined Bendles. The move brought another 20 employees into the firm, including three directors, taking Bendles’ workforce to more than 100 members of staff.
The expansion has also increased the range of specialist legal knowledge available to clients. Atkinson Ritson brings experience in areas including agriculture, family law, commercial and residential property, and Wills, Trusts and Estates. Bendles Managing Partner John Stevenson said the latest developments have added expertise and experience to the firm while creating greater strength across a wider geographical area.
The firm has stressed that the expansion is not simply about increasing its size. It aims to give clients access to a broader range of specialist advice while maintaining the personal service and local knowledge that have been central to Bendles for generations.
With offices now operating across Carlisle, Wigton, Whitehaven, Penrith, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen, Bendles says its larger team will allow it to support clients across a wide range of personal and business legal matters. The firm says its recent growth reflects its commitment to developing alongside the people and businesses it serves, while continuing to build on more than two centuries of legal experience in Cumbria.
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