From 1 October, the firm will become part of McGrigors, in a deal that will see the 150 year old practice name come to end and the establishment of a Northern Ireland law firm with national reach. 

As part of the merger, the two firms’ Belfast offices will be integrated in the L’Estrange & Brett office, housing more than 40 lawyers and a total staff of around 100. No jobs will be lost or created as a result of the deal.  

The deal is similar to that of the current Deacons and Norton Rose deal being undertaken in Australia, which will see the international law firm Norton Rose, and the Australian based Deacons, become one firm from January 1, 2010.

Brian Henderson, senior partner at L’Estrange & Brett, said: “The merger allows us to become part of a UK-wide practice, the first move of its kind by a leading Northern Ireland firm. 

“It means we will be able to offer our existing and future clients a greater range of services, including specialist services not currently available in Northern Ireland — as well as a greater geographical reach.”