Nationwide banks on NW law firms

NORTH West law firms have a dominant position on mutal lender Nationwide’s slimmed-down commecial panel.

The country’s largest building society, which is also an active commercial lender, has shrunk its panel from 60 to 17 after a major review.

DWF, Hill Dickinson, Pannone, Brabners Chaffe Street, Kuits and Berg Legal have all made the grade and retained their work with Nationwide.

New members of the panel include three firms with strong North West links, Addleshaw Goddard, DLA Piper and Shoosmiths, while Eversheds, which has a Manchester base, has retained its place.

The review of the 60-strong panel was overseen by Nationwide’s general counsel Liz Kelly. The selection process including a review of fee structures and value-added services.

Group legal manager Susan Manik, who was also involved in the process, said: “The review has allowed us to improve our working relationships with our legal advisers, as well as better manage our commercial lending volumes.

“The number of firms on the panel now reflects the current volume of new commercial lending and associated work.”

Commenting on the retention of its place on the panel Patrick Keown, partner  in Hill Dickinson’s banking and finance team, said: “To have been chosen by Nationwide as one of its 17 legal advisers is recognition of our expertise and the strong relationship we have with the building society.”