People: Freeths; Lanyon Bowdler; Evolution Claims Management

Law firm Freeths has appointed Mohammed Alam as a partner in its real estate team.

Joining from Hogan Lovells, Alam has a wealth of experience in all aspects of commercial real estate with a particular focus in the office; retail; hospitality and leisure; and energy sectors.

Over the last 12 months, he has been involved in a number of significant deals including advising Delancey and Columbia Threadneedle Investments on the purchase of Castlepoint Shopping Centre; advising The Crown Estate on its world leading offshore wind and carbon storage portfolios; and advising Related Argent on various aspects of its 180-acre, £8bn regeneration scheme at Brent Cross Town, London.

Darren Williamson, partner and head of real estate at Freeths, said: “Mohammed is the perfect choice to compliment our continuously growing national real estate capabilities. Mohammed shares the true values of Freeths and we’re delighted to have him on board.”

Alam added: “I am thrilled to be joining Freeths as a partner in its highly regarded Real Estate team. Led by Darren, the practice has grown considerably in the last few years and demonstrates some truly innovative capabilities. I’m hugely grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey.”

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A Shropshire law firm has expanded its private client team in Oswestry with the addition of two new solicitors.

Mai Lewis and Angharad Hird have joined Lanyon Bowdler.

Head of Lanyon Bowdler’s private client team, Edward Rees, said: “Angharad and Mai have added to the team’s capacity to help clients with the preparation of Wills, give advice on inheritance tax, prepare and register Lasting Powers of Attorney, and assist with estate planning and administration.

“Angharad qualified as a solicitor in 2013, and worked in London and Cambridgeshire before moving back to Wales and working in Chester and Wrexham.

“Mai qualified in 2020 and is an affiliate member of the Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners (STEP), meaning she has been recognised for holding the very highest professional standards in her work.

“Both Angharad and Mai have joined us from a nearby firm, and between them have extensive experience and local knowledge which will be hugely beneficial to our clients.

“I am delighted to welcome them to Lanyon Bowdler.”

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Insurance claims management solutions specialist Evolution Claims Management has promoted Martin Thompson to the role of chief operating officer on the back of accelerated growth.

Thompson, who joined Evolution in January 2022 as head of operations, joins the board of directors at the tech-based West Midlands firm as it implements plans to continue to increase both its revenues and its client base.

Thompson said: “I am delighted to be promoted to Chief Operating Officer at a time when there are several exciting technology and digital projects under way which will benefit our growing client base.

“We have a great team at Evolution and I look forward to being part of the drive to generate further success.”

CEO Darren Cooper said: “We are delighted to appoint Martin to the role of COO on the back of his leading role in successfully delivering improved operational performance during a period of rapid growth for Evolution.

“In his new role, Martin will continue to head up the operational teams and will sit on the company’s board of directors to help lead the company into its bright future.”
Based in Hagley Road West, Oldbury, Evolution has 35 staff.