Law firm expands Midlands presence with Lincolnshire launch

Law firm Shakespeare Martineau has expanded into Lincolnshire as part of its growth strategy.

The new presence will be spearheaded by two newly appointed partners, with more than 25 combined years’ experience in the market, with more hires expected to be announced in the coming months.

Jonathan Stork joins on 1 February from Wilkin Chapman and has more than 13 years’ experience in litigation and dispute resolution, with particular expertise in contested trust and probate work, disputes within the agricultural sector and commercial litigation.

Corporate and commercial lawyer, Michael Squirrell has already joined the firm and brings with him extensive knowledge of the Lincoln market and 12 years’ experience.

He said: “I was initially attracted to Shakespeare Martineau’s reputation for excellence. And after meeting people across the teams, it was clear to me that it is a firm that really focusses on people and clients, living and breathing its values – rather than these being an aspirational list or a ‘tick box’ exercise.

“I’ve spent my working life being inspired by entrepreneurs and innovators and feel like I can put that knowledge into practice with the Lincoln branch opening, and drive growth for Shakespeare Martineau in Lincoln.”

Currently Shakespeare Martineau has offices in Nottingham, Leicester, Sheffield, Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Solihull, London, Milton Keynes and Glasgow – servicing both local and national clients and is planning a bricks and mortar presence in the area to serve its Lincolnshire clients.

The appointments come shortly after Shakespeare Martineau announced its growth ambitions and plans to double in size by 2023. The firm said it will also be welcoming a new Lincoln-based partner in the employment team soon.

Duncan James, East Midlands regional head, said: “We work with several clients in Lincoln already, including those in the education, tech, energy and agriculture sectors – so it’s a no brainer to have an on-the-ground presence.

“Lincolnshire holds a lot of potential, and our clients will benefit from a local presence as well as the backing of our wider teams in energy, education, agriculture, fast-growing businesses and wealth management, to name just a few.

“We’re really excited to have Jonathan and Michael joining us, and we look forward to growing the Lincoln team further.”

Shakespeare Martineau is proactively seeking mergers, acquisitions, team recruitment and lateral hires in Lincoln and nationally.