ONE of Bolton’s oldest traditional law firms is celebrating its 135th anniversary with a move into new contemporary premises.

Russell & Russell, founded in 1887, is this month leaving historic Wood Street in the town centre where the company made its home early in the last century.

The crime (defendant) department, the property team including specialist re-mortgage, along with the back-office staff of accounts, HR, IT and administration will be re-located to the top floor of the three-storey Atria building in Spa Road.

The firm’s personal injury/medical negligence, family and childcare, probate, wills and elderly care departments will all go into the Newport Street walk-in centre.

“The time was right to move to a new and more modern office with improved facilities and where we can better see and support staff and attend to our clients’ needs,” explained Managing Partner Judith Bromley.

“It will be strange to leave these premises after so long but, really, we have outgrown them.”

The move is the latest in the long history of the company started by William Russell, who was later joined by his brother Walter. William became both Mayor and MP for Bolton.

From relatively humble beginnings, the company has grown exponentially to where it is today and from a handful of employees to around 200, dealing with the whole gamut of legal needs.

Russell & Russell now also has offices in Westhoughton, Farnworth, Horwich, Atherton, Bury, Middleton and Chester.

Its new home will be in another iconic building – the refurbished Atria which has already housed many well-known businesses – where 94 Russell & Russell employees will be accommodated.

The company has changed over the years, embracing modern technology and hybrid styles of working “but still retains its core values and practices,” added Judith.

One noticeable area of change is in the increased number of women partners. Since Judith was made the first woman partner in 1998, up to last year there were nine women in this senior role.

“The company has also been heavily involved in all areas of the life of the town including forging strong links with local charities,” stated Judith, who is chairman of Bolton Hospice.

This year, Russell & Russell is also sponsoring the Wellbeing Award in the Bolton News organised Build Back Bolton Business Awards.