Our Story
Mercers are one of the oldest law firms in the Thames Valley, having been established in Henley-on-Thames in 1827. Ever since then our client-focused approach has been helping individuals and businesses to meet their legal goals.
We specialise in Private Client work including Wills, Probate and Inheritance disputes, Residential Property and Litigation.
Why Choose Us
Mercers have been trusted for their understanding, professional approach achieving outstanding results for the people of Henley-on-Thames for 200 years.
Empathy isn’t a word you often hear when talking about a solicitors. We know our profession can seem a little aloof but with Mercers it’s different. While we are experts in our fields, we’re also human with similar life experiences to many of our clients.
That is why we relate to our clients so effectively; we treat them as people, knowing they won’t always understand their rights, obligations or opportunities, but treating them with the respect and understanding they deserve. Above all we take the time to listen to our clients before offering advice based on a superb understanding of the law coupled with many years of real life experience.
We know that every one of our clients has a different story so we treat them as individuals, whether they are writing a Will, purchasing a residential property or involved in a dispute.
Many clients have relied on us for years. They know our client-first approach, coupled with expert knowledge and hands-on experience will deliver results cost effectively and with the minimum of fuss.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Mercers Solicitors are covered by professional indemnity insurance that far exceeds the Minimum Terms of Cover required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
All our work, in all jurisdictions is covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance issued by QBE UK Limited, Plantation Place, 30 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 3BD
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Mercers Solicitors encourages a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.
We perform a regular exercise to collect data on the diversity of our staff.
Corporate Responsibility
At Mercers Solicitors we take our corporate responsibility seriously and have proactive policies towards our employees, clients, the wider community and the environment.
Our History
1827
President of the Law Society
The earliest records of the firm date back to 1827 when Nicholas Mercer was President of the Law Society.
Early 1900s
The Firm
The firm has always been independently owned by local people, and has been based in Henley from the outset. It is believed that the firm has been based at the New Street office, opposite the Kenton Theatre, since the early years of the last century.
The firm has long been associated with the Blaker family and Guy Blaker was a partner for many years and the firm at that time was called Mercer and Blaker.
Mid 1900s
Martin Riley joined the partnership
Martin Riley joined the partnership and became Senior Partner and over the years the firm grew. Christopher Malim, and David Weston joined, followed by Edward Sandars and Malcolm Brunwin.
1980
Christopher Bowler joined the firm
Christopher Bowler joined the firm, became a partner in 1981 and managing partner in 2002, he stood down as Managing Partner in 2019 and is now a consultant within the firm.
1986
Joined in 1986 by Paul Stott
Latterly these partners were joined in 1986 by Paul Stott, who became a partner in 1988 and Managing Partner in 2019, he stood down as Managing Partner in 2021 and is now a consultant within the firm.
1990
Joined by Guy Barker
These partners were then joined by Guy Barker, who is still a partner to this day.
2000
Peter Hopkins then joined the firm
Peter Hopkins then joined the firm as a partner and became managing partner in 2022. As the firm grew it became possible to have specialist departments, dealing with property, both commercial and residential, private client work offering advice on wills, trusts, tax planning and powers of attorney, and litigation advice.
2019
The existing Partners
The existing Partners were then joined by Paula Nichols and Justine McCool.
2022
New Partner
In November 2022, our Head of Residential Property, Ruth McKenzie became a Partner.
2023
The firm has now grown to employ over 30 local staff
The firm employs over 30 local staff and strives to offer good legal advice as part of a friendly service to Henley and the surrounding area.
On the 1st February 2023 the firm converted to a Limited Liability Partnership and became Mercers Law LLP trading as Mercers Solicitors.
Today
Alexandra Parnell joins the partnership
Alexandra Parnell was appointed a Partner in July 2023.
What our clients have to say about Mercers Solicitors
Accreditations
