A LAW firm is to close its York office.

Ison Harrison has decided to shut down its office in Bishopthorpe Road, York, on December 19.

The firm, which has offices in Leeds city centre, Garforth, Crossgates and Chapeltown, carries out a variety of legal work including matrimonial law and conveyancing. It is thought to employ between eight and ten solicitors.

But staff from the firm have already secured jobs at other solicitors' practices in the city.

John Yeomans, a managing partner at York law firm Harrowell Shaftoe, said: "The closure will have no real effect on the market or the choice of solicitors available to clients because clients already have a very vibrant and competitive legal market to choose from in York.

"One effect is the release of some very good and experienced legal staff into the York legal scene. Three of them are joining Harrowell Shaftoe, including Elspeth Harrow, a property lawyer, who is joining us to work from our Haxby office."

Ison Harrison declined to comment on the closure.

Updated: 11:02 Monday, December 08, 2003