Legal Moves: European role for Brabners partner, Browne Jacobson, and many more

JEFF Gillbanks, a partner at North West law firm Brabners Chaffe Street, has taken over the role of secretary general of the Association of European Lawyers (AEL).

AEL is a network of 37 independent law firms, including Brabners Chaffe Street, who work together on cross-border transactions and other multi-jurisdictional casework.

Gillbanks heads the commercial property team at Brabners Chaffe Street in Liverpool.

He specialises in advising investment landlords on acquisitions and developments and works closely with the renewables sector dealing specifically with the development of wind farms and biomass power plants.

His AEL role is a three-year appointment. He became a director of the executive committee in 2000 and company secretary in 2004.

He said: “It is an immense privilege to be able to have the opportunity to help lead AEL over the next three years. As a result of sharing information, working closely together on a regular basis and providing expert local lawyers, I believe that AEL can provide advantages to multinational clients which one law firm with branch offices across Europe cannot. I am looking forward to making a meaningful contribution to its continuing success.”

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BROWNE Jacobson has strengthened its presence in Manchester with the appointment of commercial dispute resolution lawyer Katie Scott.

Scott, who joins from the Manchester office of Gateley, has expertise in a range of complex, high value commercial disputes as well as experience of conducting claims in the civil courts.

The appointment follows a major recruitment drive by the Piccadilly Place law firm which has seen the recent arrivals of former Hempsons health partner Amanda Callaghan and legal assistant Louise Wallbank.

The firm’s commercial disputes resolution team advises clients on a range of domestic and international disputes from coverage disputes, breaches of contract, covenant and warranties to defamation, injunctions, misrepresentation and shareholder disputes.

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ADDLESHAW Goddard has strengthened its Northern tax team with the appointment of Michael Hunter from Lupton Fawcett Lee & Priestley.

He has joined Addleshaw Goddard’s tax practice as a partner and will work with the firm’s existing clients, whilst targeting new market business.

Hunter has a range of corporate and property experience with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, property tax and private equity.

He said: “My new role offers a great opportunity. The firm’s reputation, impressive client portfolio and high-quality service is second to none, and I’m looking forward to joining the team and helping to grow our market share.”

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TWO pensions experts have joined the employment and pensions team of law firm Hill Dickinson.

Having previously worked for Hill Dickinson between 2007-2011, partner Barry Gibb has re-joined the firm from London-based Herbert Smith Freehills. Paula Warnock, who has worked in the industry for 17 years, joins from Mercer’s Legal Consulting team.

Mr Gibb said: “It is an exciting time to return to Hill Dickinson, with a number of strong lateral hires being made. I am keen to grow the pensions practice and raise its profile in the market place.”

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LANCASHIRE law firm Napthens has appointed Jonathon Waterhouse to its commercial property department.

The newly qualified solicitor joins the firm from Manchester-based Cottrill Stone Lawless, prior to which he spent time working in-house for national homebuilder Taylor Wimpey.

Waterhouse will work with department head Martin Beardsworth to support the firm’s new and existing clients. He said: “I am thrilled to join Napthens and to practice in my home region of Lancashire. It is a great opportunity to join a regional team that already has a strong client base.”

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MANCHESTER and Glossop-based law firm Davis Blank Furniss has appointed Jennifer Smith to its property team.

She was previously at North Ainley Halliwell in Oldham as an assistant solicitor.

Her new role will see her working on both commercial and residential clients and she will be directly reporting to partner Richard Hamilton.

At the Glossop office Emma Little has been promoted to paralageal. She has worked at the firm for 16 years and held various positions.

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LAW firm Taylors, which has offices in Manchester city centre and Blackburn, has appointed of Rachel Charlton as assistant solicitor to work with its growing employment team.

She joins the firm from the Leeds office DLA Piper and prior to that, she trained and qualified at Eversheds. She also has experience of working in-house within the legal department of Lloyds Banking Group.

Her new role will see her working closely with the existing employment team, which is led by Will Clayton, Taylors’ head of employment.

He said: “Rachel’s appointment comes as a result of an increasing demand from our commercial clients for specialist employment services.”