A LEGAL practice which specialises in criminal and motoring law has been acquired by a Ringwood firm.

Ellis Jones Solicitors has purchased the Jonathan Morrissey Practice, also known as JM Law, for an undisclosed sum.

Five JM staff, including founder and head of crime Jon Morrissey, have transferred to Ellis Jones.

Previously they were based at JM Law’s offices in Bournemouth.

JM law was founded in 1993, by Mr Morrissey who during his 30-year career has handled every type of criminal offence from murder, manslaughter and robbery to fraud, drug trafficking and serious sex offences.

In the motoring world, Mr Morrissey specialises in all areas from manslaughter and causing death by dangerous driving to a multitude of drink driving allegations as well as careless driving and speeding allegations.

A particular speciality is saving drivers from bans after they have exceeded their penalty points limit.

Mr Morrissey, who was deputy coroner for Bournemouth, Poole and East Dorset from 2000 to 2010, is also a specialist in the law surrounding inquests and coroner’s courts.

Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones’ managing partner, said: “I have known Jon for many years and, without doubt, he is one of the most experienced and accomplished criminal defence lawyers in the UK.

“Over the course of the last 23 years JM Law has become the largest specialist criminal practice in the area. Opportunities to acquire such a highly regarded firm are rare and I am delighted that Jon and his dedicated team have become part of the talented team at Ellis Jones.”

Mr Morrissey said he was excited to become part of Ellis Jones team.

He commented: “It presents me with the ideal opportunity to represent my clients properly, thoroughly and to the best of my ability, giving them a first class service rather than being hamstrung by the constraints now being faced by those represented on Legal Aid. I have no doubt our relationship will be a long and happy one.”

Ellis Jones is one of the largest law firms in Dorset and West Hampshire with 120 staff including 11 partners.

It has offices in Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs (Poole), Ringwood, Swanage and London offering a wide range of services to individuals and businesses.