Octopus Legacy has acquired the will bank of Top 100 law firm Shoosmiths, marking what the firm says is a significant step in its growth strategy.
Shoosmiths said the transfer “aligns with its broader strategy of focusing on core practice areas,” and follows the sale of its private client team to Rothley’s and the divestment of its personal injury business to Fletchers.
Octopus Legacy has embarked on a series of acquisitions over the past 18 months, after it received investment from the Octopus Group in December 2022. The acquisition of WSL Will Writing, which brought more than 300,000 clients into the business, positioned Octopus as the second largest estate planning firm in the UK.
“This acquisition is an important milestone for us,” said Sam Grice, founder and CEO of Octopus Legacy. “Shoosmiths is a top-tier law firm, and acquiring their will bank is testament to our growth within the regulated space.
“We’re already the UK’s second-largest estate planner, and this deal represents the next step on our journey towards becoming the largest private client firm in the country. Most importantly, it strengthens our mission to modernise and simplify estate planning and ensure that more people have access to high quality and accessible estate planning and probate services.”
Rachel Reid, Shoosmiths’ chief operating officer, added: “It is important that our English and Welsh wills clients are given the opportunity to move to a business that will give them the high-quality service and attention they expect and deserve.
“As Shoosmiths continues to pursue its sector-focused growth strategy, it is natural that we divest our legacy practices to more suitable businesses.
“We are delighted that Octopus has taken on supporting our clients in this way. We know they will provide the calibre and technical needed to support and service client requirements effectively.”
Speaking on the Today’s Wills and Probate podcast last year, Grice said it was his ambition for Octopus Legacy to become a “national brand known for compassionate, comprehensive end-of-life support, by combining people and technology”.
Over the past three years the business has introduced features including voice notes and personal messages alongside legal documentation, and launched its bereavement concierge, a service that allows grieving individuals to call a single number for help with anything from legal paperwork to finding a dog walker.
