People: Browne Jacobson; Ballards
Law firm Browne Jacobson has strengthened its real estate offering with the partner appointment of Mark Lee into its real estate built environment team based in its Birmingham office.
He joins the firm’s 100+ real estate practice from Fieldfisher where he had been a partner since 2015. His appointment brings the total number of partners across the firm’s national real estate practice, which operates across six of the firm’s seven offices to 24.
With over 30 years’ experience specialising in investment and development work and a background as a Chartered Surveyor, Lee has extensive experience in advising a diverse range of clients on investment acquisitions and disposals, commercial development, promotion agreements, option agreements and conditional contracts where his surveying experience has proved invaluable.
National head of real estate, Sarah Parkinson said of the appointment: “Our real estate team has had another incredibly busy 12 months which has seen us receive repeat big-ticket instructions from national clients cutting across various sectors, including regeneration, private sector development, house building and registered providers. This is in addition to the increase in instructions we are seeing from new and existing clients that are based in the West Midlands region, so we are delighted to have Mark on board with us.
“Mark is a talented and highly experienced real estate lawyer, who has a fantastic market reputation and is well connected. Over the last 20 years Mark has worked on a number of significant and high-profile commercial property transactions so his wealth of expertise will be a real asset to the team.”
Lee added: “I am proud to be joining Browne Jacobson’s national real estate practice. The firm has a rich client portfolio and is known for supporting its clients on matters that are at the forefront of society and helping them to spot opportunities that are right for their business, and I am pleased to become part of that offering.”
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Worcestershire-based professional services firm Ballards has bolstered its marketing and business development team.
Ballards specialise in accounting, taxation, and business advisory services, ensuring that they are well equipped to provide expert financial guidance to their clients.
The department’s headcount has doubled with the addition of experienced professionals. These new resources will bolster marketing strategies, enhance client relationships, and adapt to changing client needs.
Steven Jones, business development partner at Ballards, said: “Our decision to expand our Marketing and Business Development department is a clear reflection of our unyielding dedication to client success and our commitment to remaining competitive in an ever-changing industry landscape. This significant investment in top-tier talent significantly enhances our capacity to drive growth and perpetuate our tradition of delivering exceptional service.”
Matthew Clarke, marketing manager, added: “This expansion is an exciting step forward for us. We’re not just welcoming new team members; we’re embracing fresh perspectives and ideas. With a strengthened team, we aim to adapt and thrive in an evolving business landscape, effectively communicating our value to clients.
“Our goal is not only professional growth but also to ensure that every client feels the personal touch in our services. We’re excited about the opportunities this expansion brings and look forward to forging even stronger connections with our clients as we move forward together.”
