On the move: the latest East Midlands hires

One of Derby’s most experienced criminal lawyers has taken up a new position at East Midlands law firm Smith Partnership.

Andy Cash, who has more than 42 years’ experience in the industry and is extremely well known in Derby’s legal circles, has joined the firm as a solicitor in its crime department.

It is the latest staging post in a career which began in Devon in 1979, followed by his arrival in Derby, via a stint in Hong Kong, in 1986, when he joined city firm Eddowes Waldron, where he later became a partner.

Ten years later he joined fellow city firm Nelsons as a partner and was most recently a director for Derby law firm Cartwright King, before taking up his new role at Smith Partnership this month.

He said: “I’ve never lost my love of representing people in court or as a duty solicitor at the police station, where clients need someone to clarify their position at the heart of the criminal investigation, even if they start off believing they don’t need a lawyer on their side.

“That can make a huge difference and i’m looking forward to continuing that work, as well as dealing with clients accused of motoring offences.

“I’m also looking forward to working for a full-service firm because i can recommend clients to other experts if they have any other legal issues facing them.”

Andrew Oldroyd, partner of the firm and head of the crime department at Smith Partnership’s Derby office, said: “Andy is hugely experienced and has an excellent reputation locally, so naturally we are delighted to welcome him to Smith Partnership.

“I remember how helpful Andy was back when I was newly qualified and everyone in the Derby law sector knows him. He will now be able to nurture our younger lawyers in the department, ensuring that we can continue to offer a quality criminal law service.”

esbs has recently welcomed two new members to its Earl Shilton team.

Stuart Allen and Bhavti Chudasama have joined the compliance and mortgage teams respectively.

Allen has an extensive background in the financial industry having experience in the full spectrum of the mortgage process including Risk, Compliance and Policy.

Bhavti is newer to the industry. A recent role at a brokerage firm introduced her to the mortgage process and led to her application to esbs to expand her knowledge and experience in her new mortgage administrator role.

Paul Tilley, chief executive of esbs, said: “It’s fantastic to continue expanding the team in order to best service our members and wonderful to see Stuart and Bhavti settling in so well. I look forward to seeing them progress at the Society.”