One of Kent’s best known lawyers has thrown his weight behind the merger of Cripps Harries Hall and Vertex Law.

Philip Cunningham, the former managing partner at Brachers, has joined as a partner in the corporate finance team.

“Vertex Law has a very strong corporate and commercial offering and the combination of that expertise with Cripps Harries Hall’s excellence in property and private client work makes for an extremely good fit,” he said

“Not only is it excellent news for existing clients but it also means that there is now a law firm in the area with the expertise and resources to serve the larger businesses in the region – those that currently tend to go to London for legal advice.”

Cripps’ managing partner, Gavin Tyler, added: “The merger of Cripps and Vertex Law is all about building a team that can offer clients both excellent service and an unrivalled breadth and depth of expertise. The addition of Philip further strengthens our offering to corporate and commercial clients.”

A successful entrepreneur as well as a lawyer with extensive international experience, Mr Cunningham has previously built up and sold his own telecoms business and is currently a director and co-owner of Chartway Group, a £16m turnover Kent residential development and construction company.

Vertex Law’s James Beatton said: “Philip has a great track record. His entrepreneurial approach, his knowledge of corporate law, his contacts and his practical business experience will prove invaluable.”

Cripps Harries Hall and Vertex Law are set to complete their merger, that will not involve any job losses at the end of this month. The combined firm will have 45 partners and 260 staff operating from offices in Tunbridge Wells, Kings Hill and London.

No final decision has been made about a name but branding experts are looking at options.