UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson is pleased to announce that it has acquired the business of Paul Taylor, a sole practitioner based in Exeter specialising in the real estate and retail sector, trading as Paul Taylor Solicitors.

Paul Taylor is a renowned character in the South West legal industry, with a wealth of experience and a strong reputation. He has been the sole real estate advisor to entrepreneur Chris Dawson and his flagship store group, The Range, for over 25 years, seeing the seismic growth of the retailer from five stores (when he was first instructed) to over 200 now. 

With Paul Taylor entering into a Consultancy Agreement with Browne Jacobson, the acquisition bolsters the firm’s growing Exeter presence and its real estate offering in the South West legal market. 

Since opening its first South West office in 2012, Browne Jacobson has expanded its sector and practice expertise by adding education, health, government, real estate and employment, alongside its already established financial services and insurance practice. The firm relocated its Exeter office to Keble House in Southernhay Gardens in May 2023 as a part of its growth strategy in the South West, and this is another example of its commitment to making an impact in the region. 

Paul Taylor said:

“I am delighted to be joining forces with Sarah Parkinson and the Browne Jacobson real estate team in order that their range of resources and skills will be available to my clients and will match their needs. I was attracted by the fact that their legal acumen is allied to a distinctive character and ethos which sets them apart from a lot of other firms out there! I know that The Range will appreciate having the Browne Jacobson team onboard and, as one of the fastest growing retailers in the UK (recently acquiring the Wilko brand), we are expecting to be kept very busy. I am also looking forward to working with Nigel Lyons and the Browne Jacobson team in the Exeter office and am excited about the opportunities that this move will bring.” 

Sarah Parkinson, national Head of Real Estate at Browne Jacobson and a retail sector specialist said:

“Paul has a fantastic reputation not just in the retail sector but in the South West region as well. We are particularly excited that Paul has acted for The Range as a client for over 25 years, which is a testament to his expertise and the quality of his work and client service. We are so pleased that he has decided to partner with us and we’re already enjoying working with him!”

Nigel Lyons, Partner and Head of the Exeter office at Browne Jacobson, said:

“This acquisition is a real boon for our South West offering, expanding our client portfolio both across the region and nationally, and a landmark in our continued growth. We’re thrilled to work with Paul in developing our practice further.”