Appointments: Moves at Weightmans, DWF, Stephensons and Gaydio

LAW firm Weightmans has continued its expansion with the appointment of partner Sandra Jones from Berrymans Lace Mawer to its Manchester office.

Jones, who qualified in 1993, has spent the past seven years with Berrymans Lace Mawer and specialises in property damage, construction and engineering disputes.

She said: “Weightmans has a great reputation in the insurance market and an impressive roster of clients so I am really looking forward to contributing to that.”

Weightmans recently acquired the insurance practice of Vizards Wyeth on 1 April 2011 and is due to merge with North West firm Mace & Jones on May 1.

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NORTH West law firm Stephensons Solicitors has promoted four legal experts as partners. They are solicitors Victoria Melling, Gwyneth John, Mike Pemberton and Kate Bullen.

The promotions mean the award-winning law practice, which has offices across the region in Manchester, Wigan, Bolton, Leigh and St Helens, now has 31 partners.

Victoria Melling is a new partner in the Bolton family law team. She joined Stephensons 13 years ago and qualified as a solicitor in 2001. Gwyneth John acts for parents, children, family members and guardians in all aspects of the law as it affects children, predominantly care proceedings and adoption.

Mike Pemberton, based in the Wigan office, is a human rights specialist who has had several cases heard at the Supreme Court, including one which led to a change in the law. Kate Bullen is a new partner in the commercial property team at the firm’s Middlebrook office in Bolton.

Ann Harrison, Stephenson’s chairwoman, said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Victoria, Gwyneth, Mike and Kate to the partnership. Each of our new partners has demonstrated total commitment to the firm’s future success and they are all shining examples of how a solicitor should behave: with integrity, probity and dedication.”

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LES Gunn is joining Manchester radio station Gaydio as head of business development.

Gunn has worked within the industry as a radio presenter and sales consultant for more than 20 years, at stations across the North East, North West, Midlands and Wales. He will be heading business development to drive forward the sales and sponsorship.

Gaydio was awarded an Ofcom licence to broadcast to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people on FM in November 2009 and went on air in June 2010.

Gunn said: “As a gay man, I’m proud to be representing a station that not only has a fantastic sound, but a totally professional approach to the radio business and it’s really making it’s mark after less than a year on air. We have a wonderful demographic of people that advertisers will want to get to know more about, not only in Manchester, but around the country.”

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LAW firm DWF has appointed Pamela Chesterman as a senior solicitor in its Manchester planning team.

She has more than nine years’ experience of dealing with complex planning, environmental and highways law issues for both the public and private sectors.

Chesterman has traditionally acted for investors, developers and contractors advising on numerous types of developments, including multi-media sites, sports stadia and retail projects.

She said: “I am excited to be joining DWF which has an impressive track record, I look forward to contributing to the growing success of the firm and helping our clients achieve their business and legal objectives.”