Thu, 09 Jul 2026 | BUSINESS NEWS
Hedges Law, one of the oldest law firms in Oxfordshire, has secured investor backing as part of a newly-formed buy-and-build group. Hedges Law is the founding firm of Oak Legal Group, supported by private investment office CKM3.
Unlike with many traditional consolidators, firms acquired by Oak Legal Group will retain their leadership, local autonomy and brand, while being supported by collective investment, governance and operational expertise.
The group’s formation comes amid significant consolidation in the UK legal sector, with the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) reporting that 532 UK law firms either merged or closed in the year to February 2026.
Currently operating from offices in Oxford, Chipping Norton and Wallingford, Hedges Law has served clients across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds for more than 230 years.
Oak Legal Group will be led by Hedges Law directors Nicola Poole and Rebecca Kashti, alongside entrepreneur, business owner and acquirer Colm McGinley.
According to Poole, the group’s formation represents "a deliberate step to build something fundamentally different in the legal market".
Poole continued: "This investment allows us to continue building on what makes the firm special while ensuring we remain well placed to support clients and communities across the county for many years to come."
Rebecca Kashti said: "We are not building for a short-term exit or pursuing growth at any cost. We are creating a platform of leading law firms that share the same values – where people and clients come first, and where culture is protected, not eroded."
Oak Legal Group is seeking to partner with established firms with strong client relationships, operating in high-end locations. Following the completion of the Hedges Law acquisition, the group has signed heads of terms with an additional two businesses and is in advanced talks with a number of others.
Poole stated that the group is seeing strong interest from firms that recognise the challenges and opportunities currently facing the legal sector and are looking to be part of a more sustainable operation.
She added that cultural fit was “absolutely critical” to the group and that it was not looking to make acquisitions “for the sake of it”, but rather “partner with firms who genuinely believe in the same approach to clients, people and long-term success."
Colm McGinley said: "The strategy is to establish a group that is 'greater than the sum of its parts'. It's about backing great businesses and great people, not imposing a template.”
"Too often, founders are forced to choose between selling to consolidators or private equity models that don't reflect what they have built. We believe there is a better way – one that protects legacy, supports teams, and creates long-term value."
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Discover more about the factors driving UK legal sector consolidation
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