Hewitts and Cohen merge to create north-east leader

South Durham-based Hewitts and Tees Valley firm Cohen have merged to create a 15-partner firm which will be one of the largest in the north-east.

The firm - called Cohen Hewitts - has a further 30 lawyers and 65 support staff in seven offices.

Hewitts focuses on property, commercial, personal injury, family and employment work.

Cohens is mainly a commercial practice.

Hewitts' managing partner Andrew Tweddle said: 'The new practice covers a broad geographical area.

It offers additional services to clients and a far more diverse portfolio of legal support for potential customers.' Some of his firm's offices will just be called Hewitts.

Chris Fountain of Cohens added: 'The days when a small firm could offer advice on virtually any legal issue are fast disappearing.'

Last year, Hewitts merged with four-partner Wager Turner.