The addition of the full-service commercial law firm means the number of associate members at the body has doubled to 24 since April 2014 – the number of full members has increased by 9 in that period to 34.

Richard Ellison, partner at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “We now look forward to building working relationships with members and associate members who we do not know already, as well as supporting the ASTL in achieving its objectives by protecting and promoting the interests of its continually expanding membership.”

Shakespeare Martineau was created by the merger of Shakespeares and SGH Martineau in June 2015. It covers a wide range of sectors from financial services and real estate to corporate and investment funds.

The firm already acts for 11 short-term lenders, including several ASTL members, whose work is carried out by a specialist sector team.

Benson Hersch (pictured), chief executive of the ASTL, said: “We aim to give confidence to the public as well as the financial community, businesses and parties that transact with members, and the growing diversity of the membership allows us to continue to develop our offering.

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“I am confident that due to its knowledge and experience, Shakespeare Martineau will prove to be a valuable contributor to the association which is continuing to go from strength to strength.”