SHOOSMITHS residential development team in Birmingham has been strengthened with the appointment of partner Gavin Le Chat. He has returned to the national law firm after 10 years as a partner with Howes Percival. Mr Le Chat has more than 28 years of experience working with housebuilders and developers, regularly advising developers on site acquisitions, options to purchase, and overage agreements. He also advises on joint ventures and collaboration agreements and last year wrote a technical handbook guide to property development. Mr Le Chat said: “I’m delighted to return to Shoosmiths. It’s grown rapidly in the last 10 years and its commitment to property and residential development has increased in that time. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with contacts and helping raise the firm’s regional profile.”
Consultant Shepherd on the move
BUSINESS consultant Bernard Shepherd has moved from Birmingham law firm Gateley to Blakemores Solicitors in the city. He was a business consultant with Gateley for four years having rejoined the firm in 2007. Mr Shepherd was originally a partner in the Birmingham office of Gateley in 1971 and left in 1983 when he set up his own practice in Great Barr. He was also previously president of the Birmingham Law Society and won the Inspiring Leader Award at the 2010 Birmingham Future Awards.
Work ex student returns as trainee
A BUDDING legal professional enjoyed her work experience with a Coventry law firm so much that she returned on a permanent basis five years later. Charlotte Fisher, 22, has returned to Band Hatton as a trainee solicitor after graduating Oxford Brookes University. Practice director Mark Moseley said: “We are delighted that Charlotte has joined our team and we are confident she will grow to be a valuable asset to the practice over the coming years.”
