Meridian opens the Gate to future growth

SOLIHULL specialist private client law firm Meridian Private Client is targeting growth following the recruitment of an experienced private client lawyer from a leading London firm.

The arrival of Peter Gate, left, an Associate at Russell Cooke for almost five years, is regarded as a significant coup by Meridian partner Philip Harrison.

“Peter’s experience in estate and tax planning exactly matches our requirement for additional resources to meet the needs of our expanding client base” said Harrison.

“He will also be involved in building relationships with other professional advisers and others who introduce clients to us”.

Harrison added that the appointment of Gate comes as the firm sees real potential for further expansion in the wake of its announcement of its highest ever revenues.

“As the economic recovery takes hold, we are already seeing a growth in asset values, just as the tax framework becomes more challenging,” he said.

New trainee for Lodders

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON law firm Lodders has appointed Bradley Roberts as a trainee solicitor.

From Coventry, he studied law at the University of Birmingham and completed his Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Birmingham.

Before joining Lodders, Roberts (pictured) worked as a paralegal at Keoghs in the personal injury fraud department for three years.

Senior partner Martin Green said: “Bradley has demonstrated his commitment to a career in the law and we were very pleased to offer him a traineeship.”

New recruit is an old face at Aaron & Partners

SHROPSHIRE law firm Aaron & Partners, which has an office in Shrewsbury, has boosted its corporate offering with the appointment of a new Corporate Partner, Hugh Strickland.

Strickland, who joins the company after over 12 years at Geldards in Nottingham, specialises in dealing with corporate finance and banking, with a particular focus on pharmacies and franchising. He also has a background in engineering and previously did his work experience at the firm.

He has worked on over 100 pharmacy transactions, led bank panel relationships and headed up the Geldards banking team. He has also led cross-border transactions spanning North America, India and Europe.

His appointment forms part of an ongoing expansion programme, which has seen the firm recruit lawyers to its other offices in Chester and Manchester.
 
Andy Duxbury, chief executive at Aaron & Partners, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Hugh back to the firm, particularly at a time when there has been an uplift in demand for corporate services in Shropshire. His banking and pharmacy expertise will bring additional strength to our already comprehensive corporate offering.
 
“Hugh brings with him contacts and experience in a number of exciting sectors, as well as years of experience and greater geographical reach for the firm. It’s also wonderful to see someone who was inspired to go into law by his early experience at Aaron & Partners become an integral part of our Shrewsbury offering.”

Strickland was born with hereditary deafness, a condition that runs through his family. He is very involved in fundraising for deaf awareness and in 2013 he ran the London Marathon for Action on Hearing Loss, as well as the Market Drayton 10k and Newport 10k in 2014.