People: IP firm makes trio of promotions; Pinsent Masons announces partner appointment; and more
Intellectual property firm Forresters has made a trio of promotions.
The Birmingham-based firm has announced that patent attorneys Nick Palmer and Mark Connell have been made partners, while Emma Palmer is promoted to senior associate.
Palmer has worked at Forresters for almost 12 years. He is able to use his PhD in computer science to provide specialist advice on patents involving software and computer hardware.
His knowledge covers a range of areas from AI techniques and mobile phone apps, to machine learning and gaming hardware.
He said: “I enjoy working in a client-facing role, understanding our clients’ new technology and acting as part of their team to help develop their new products. In our role we become involved in the design process – working with engineers to establish how they are able to develop a product without infringing their competitors’ rights. We then help them to protect the clever aspects of their new designs.
“I also enjoy defending small companies against threats made against them, when often the claims made against them are unfair or unfounded.”
Connell joined the company in 2013 and is a member of the technology and engineering team as well as the chemistry team.
He said: “Forresters is an exciting place to be and I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to work here,” he said. “From day one I have been provided with the full support and backing needed to enable me to develop my network and patent practice. There is a great team working ethos here which means that not only do things get done efficiently but also in an enjoyable manner.”
Emma Palmer has also worked as a patent attorney at Forresters since 2013 and is part of the technology and engineering team.
She said: “I enjoy learning about my clients’ technologies and being able to help them navigate the complex commercial world of intellectual property,” she said. “No two days are the same as I can be helping a start-up fashion designer one day and then advising a multinational company the next.”
Birmingham partner Matt Shaw said: “We are very impressed with the performance of Nick, Mark and Emma that has culminated in these promotions. They are a credit to the firm and to themselves and we are delighted to have them on board. We wish them every success in their new roles and we look forward to seeing them continue to thrive at Forresters, and playing their part in driving this exceptional firm forward.”
:::
Law firm Pinsent Masons has announced 17 new partners in its 2020 promotion round, including one in its Birmingham office, as it promotes outside of traditional legal services for the first time.
As the partner leading client solutions, David Halliwell, based in Birmingham, works with a wide range of professionals across the firm to help clients transform the way they deliver legal services to their businesses, both through the firm’s existing portfolio of process, resourcing and technology solutions and through collaboration to create new ones.
In Birmingham, it was also announced that Rhian Critchell (corporate) and Rebecca Stephen (employment) have been promoted to the position of legal director.
Greg Lowson, head of Pinsent Masons Birmingham office, said: “We are pleased to announce our latest round of promotions. The promotions demonstrate our continued commitment to investment in Birmingham and to developing our home-grown talent. All of our successful candidates should be extremely proud of their achievement. These promotions highlight our ability to offer complex and innovative support for businesses locally, within the UK and internationally.”
Forensic accountant Hayley Boxall has also been appointed as a partner. The remaining 15 new partners are from the firm’s five core global sectors; Energy, Financial Services, Infrastructure, Real Estate and Advanced Manufacturing & Technology.
Richard Foley, senior partner at Pinsent Masons, says: “We are incredibly proud of the talent, skill and dedication of all of our people. As we all take stock and adjust to the challenges we face prompted by COVID-19, it’s heartening to have some positive news that helps us look to the future. Those promoted strengthen our position as a leading sector-focused, multinational legal services provider and mark an important step in our transition to become a professional services business with law at its core.
“The firm’s commitment to provide its clients with innovative, solutions-based legal services is the touchstone of our business. Now, more than ever, developing talent that supports this is critical as our clients grapple with the challenges posed by coronavirus.”
:::
Harris Lamb has boosted its property management team with the appointment of a senior management surveyor.
Rachel Knowles joins the business after spending more than a decade with Bruntwood.
She said: “Having worked for my previous employer for over 12 years I have built up extensive experience in dealing with commercial office buildings. This role will give me the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients and help to expand my knowledge of the industrial and retail sectors.”
Shirley Greenlees, director, said: “The team oversees a diverse range of properties, and we are very happy to welcome Rachel to our ranks.
“She brings a wealth of experience within key sectors, which will position her as an integral part of the team and help shape the future growth and development of the department.”
