Nelsons, part of the Lawfront group, has completed the acquisition of Derby-based Simpson Jones, marking the firm’s second strategic acquisition of 2025 and underlining the growth trajectory achieved since joining Lawfront.
Founded in 2010 by Joanne Jones, Simpson Jones specialises in residential conveyancing while also advising on commercial property and wills and probate. Over 15 years, the firm has completed thousands of property transactions, building a strong reputation in the Derby market.
The acquisition of the established Derby conveyancing practice follows Nelsons’ purchase of Burton-based Else Solicitors in January, demonstrating the momentum that Lawfront’s investment and support model can deliver for its partner firms.
Neil Lloyd, Lawfront CEO, said:
“Lawfront brings its expertise and resources to help to achieve the growth ambitions of our firms’ leadership teams. The Simpson Jones acquisition by Nelsons is a great example of this strategy in action. We welcome our colleagues at Simpson Jones to Lawfront and into Nelsons.”
Stewart Vandermark, Chief Executive at Nelsons, said:
“Following the acquisition of Burton-based Else Solicitors in January, we are proud to be ending the year as strongly as we started.
“With the legal market consolidating and Nelsons’ ongoing plan to grow throughout the region, we saw this acquisition as an opportunity to further enhance our client offering.
“Simpson Jones is a well-established name in the Derby conveyancing market, it was clear from the start there was alignment of culture and values between our firms and that together we would be stronger. I am pleased to welcome Joanne and the team and working with them in the coming months.”
Joanne Jones, founder of Simpson Jones, added:
“As a firm, the focus has been on delivering the highest level of service to our clients. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved during this time, but it felt like the right time to look at the future.
“An opportunity came up to explore becoming part of Nelsons, and having worked with them over the years, it quickly became clear that their culture, values and commitment to client care aligned perfectly with ours.
“I’ve always been passionate about supporting the Derby community and I’m delighted to remain rooted here, while joining a firm that operates across the East Midlands. This new chapter will allow us to offer even greater support to our current clients and employees, who will now benefit from the greater resources that Nelsons as a Lawfront firm can provide.”
The acquisition strengthens Nelsons’ presence across the East Midlands, with offices in Nottingham, Leicester and Derby.
