New partners for Lodders

LODDERS Solicitors has promoted two of its rising stars to partner. The appointment of Sofia Tayton and Alex Robinson takes the number of partners at the Warwickshire and Gloucestershire law firm to 23.

Both have risen through the ranks at the firm, from trainee level, through associate to partner status in just 12 years.

Sofia Tayton joined the practice in October 2001 and was appointed an associate in July 2008. She heads up the care and capacity team, specialising in care funding, mental capacity, Court of Protection and powers of attorney.

She is one of a select few in the UK appointed to the Panel of Deputies of the Office of Public Guardian, and a member and joint regional coordinator of the Warwickshire and Worcestershire Branch of Solicitors for the Elderly.

Alex Robinson started work at Lodders as a secretary in December 2001. Having previously been awarded a Masters degree in Classics at the University of Liverpool, she chose to follow a new career and now 12 years of hard work have paid off.

She became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives in October 2007 and was the first legal executive ever to be promoted to associate at Lodders. Her specialist areas include agricultural and rural property transactions, including sales, purchases, auctions and agricultural landlord and tenant matters. She also advises on highways issues, private rights of way and access to land, the property aspects of trusts and estate planning.

Senior partner David Lodder said: “Lodders is keen to recognise talent and in appointing Sofia and Alex we are demonstrating that this is a firm where merit is identified and recognised appropriately.

“We are proud to welcome them both into partnership.”

Aaron & Partners strengthens with appointment of planning expert

COMMERCIAL law firm Aaron & Partners has strengthened its planning department in Shrewsbury with the appointment of specialist lawyer David Delaney, left.

Delaney, an expert in planning and compulsory purchase law, has been appointed as a partner and head of planning at the firm. He previously worked Pannone, Field Cunningham & Co in Manchester and several local authorities including Rochdale and Bradford.

He advises clients on issues arising on nationally significant planning projects such as wind farms, housing development schemes, retail developments and compulsory purchase matters. He also advises on other planning and development related issues and is an expert on town and village green law.

Andy Duxbury, CEO of Aaron & Partners, said: “I am delighted to be able to welcome David to the firm. He has developed fantastic expertise in his specialist field and I see his recruitment as a real coup for Aaron & Partners.

“Aaron’s planning department is extremely well regarded and this enviable reputation will be further bolstered by David’s appointment.”

Bowcock & Pursaill strengthens with new litigation appointment

STAFFORDSHIRE law firm Bowcock & Pursaill, which has office in Leek and at Stoke-on-Trent’s Festival Park has expanded its 12-strong team with a new appointment.

Seb Wright, right, aged 31, has joined the firm as a litigation solicitor, having previously worked as litigation solicitor and debt recovery case manager at Bury-based Clough & Willis Solicitors.

His appointment will see him working alongside firm partner Tim Wolley, left, at the Bowcock & Pursaill office in Festival Park, tackling all aspects of dispute resolution from private client work in matters such as property disputes through to commercial cases such as contractual claims.