Law firm Withers, the fourth biggest provider of legal advice to top-350 charities, is in merger discussions with Speechly Bircham.

In a statement released last week, a spokesman said: “Withers and Speechly Bircham can confirm that they are in preliminary discussions regarding a potential merger. Both firms see exciting opportunities for growth in such a merger.”

According to Charity Finance’s inaugural legal survey last year, Withers advised 24 of the top 350 charities in England and Wales by income.