Legal appointments: Browne Jacobson, Pinsent Masons, Cobbetts and Harvey Ingram
DLA’s Armstrong switches to Browne Jacobson
BROWNE Jacobson has appointed real estate finance lawyer Nina Armstrong (pictured left) to its banking team. Ms Armstrong, who joins after more than fours years at DLA in Birmingham, has extensive experience in advising banks, financial institutions and borrowers on real estate finance transactions and restructurings. Prior to joining DLA she worked for magic circle firm Clifford Chance. Paul Ray, head of banking at Browne Jacobson, commented: “Nina’s experience and skills set are a superb fit with our strategy of strengthening our property finance credentials. Her substantial experience will be a significant asset and will put us in a unique position by enabling us to offer an integrated banking and real estate service to clients involved in property transactions.” Ms Armstrong said: “Banking and real estate have probably been the most challenged of all the sectors by the current economic downturn. However, there is a sign that the market is starting to recover with more financing options being made available and new lenders entering the sector.”
Pinsent Masons appoints new Associates
PINSENT Masons has announced the promotion of seven lawyers to Associate level in Birmingham. The appointments are part of 44 Associate promotions across its UK and international offices.The new Associates, left, are: Alex Burton (Corporate), Rhian Critchell (Corporate), Richard Brennan (Employment), Natalie Cropps (Projects & Construction), Rebecca Phillips (Property), Lyneth Blackwall (Property) and Jo Alderson (Intellectual Property). Greg Lowson, Head of Office, said: “I am delighted to confirm these promotions and wholeheartedly congratulate all concerned. Their development helps to ensure we attract and retain the brightest in the profession so that we develop the right size, profile and skills required to support our clients.”
Cobbetts celebrates 250 years in the second city
THE Birmingham office of law firm Cobbetts celebrated 250 years of working in the city by hosting an exclusive drinks reception. Graham Muth, head Cobbetts’ Birmingham office, left, said: “The 250th anniversary is a significant milestone in the firm’s history and, as such, we feel that we should celebrate Cobbetts’ track record as one of the most well-established and respected law firms in the region.” Putting the anniversary into perspective was Dr Malcolm Dick, Director for the Centre for West Midlands History at the University of Birmingham, who spoke about the ways in which the firm has contributed to the city’s history. “Cobbetts, formerly Lee Crowder, can date its Birmingham origins back to 1760 when Thomas Lee set up a practice in Newhall Street. Lee and other solicitors, such as George Barker, were major players in the town’s banking, industrial and transport developments,” he said.
Probate lawyers join Harvey Ingram
Law firm Harvey Ingram has appointed two new specialist trusts & probate solicitors. Suzanne Bussell joins from Manchester firm Davis Blank Furniss, while Iwan Williams joins from Steggles Solicitors in Chester. Both follow the arrival of six new hires, unveiled last month, which includes Trusts & Probate partner Simon Vaile, Family partner Andrew Breakwell plus solicitors Charlotte Fuller and Janine Harding. Head of Trusts & Probate Mark Dunkley says: “We are absolutely delighted to land two more high-calibre, key hires. They are both talented solicitors and have joined at a critical time as we press ahead with an ambitious expansion of our wealth management offering, which is a rapidly growing area of law for us.” Pictured are Iwan Williams, Mark Dunkley and Suzanne Bussell.
