LEGAL eagles have quit well-known practices to launch a new firm aimed at business clients.

Vertex Law brings together teams from Cripps Harries Hall, based in Tunbridge Wells, and Davies Lavery of Maidstone.

They are focusing on legal services for corporate clients, including finance, commercial property, dispute resolution and human resources.

The new firm, now based in Turkey Mill, Maidstone, but due to move to Kings Hill, West Malling, in November, is launching with a team of 20 lawyers plus support staff.

The new venture is the brainchild of Stuart Butler-Gallie, a former City lawyer who has previously worked for Brachers and Davies Lavery, and Mark Ledger-Beadell of Tunbridge Wells-based Meta Corporate Finance, who will continue to work closely with the new firm.

Mr Butler-Gallie said: "There was a clear gap in the market for a legal business focused on the specific needs of corporate clients in the region with a track record of delivery and value added service.

"Vertex Law is about responsive legal advisers using technology to deliver products that clients need - not what their lawyers think they should have.

"We are unique in Kent and want to grow rapidly to become the largest corporate and commercial legal services provider in the South East.

"The Vertex Law team will offer an unrivalled knowledge of the local business scene, with an excellent network of contacts and a recognised and established ability to drive through deals."

Founding members of the new firm include Robert Dodgson, a property expert from Davies Lavery; James Beatton, a corporate finance specialist from Cripps Harries Hall; Kate Mayor, a commercial expert who formerly worked for Cripps Harries Hall; and Andrew Hoad, who has left Nabarro Nathanson in the City before a brief spell with Davies Lavery.

Four other partnership members will be joining shortly.