People: Harper James; Lanyon Bowdler; Seddon Housing Partnerships
Law firm Harper James has strengthened its commercial property practice with the appointments of Abdi Ebrahimi as commercial property development Partner and Michelle Noble as senior commercial property solicitor.
Ebrahimi specialises in advising on a broad range of acquisition and disposal strategies including option agreements, conditional contracts, overage agreements and back-to-back deals.
He also brings experience in conducting title investigations, reviewing and reporting on the benefit or burden of rights, and helping clients understand and manage the risks associated with commercial property development.
Before joining Harper James, Ebrahimi was at Tinsdills Solicitors for 16 years, progressing from paralegal to solicitor, qualifying in 2012, through to shareholder and legal and commercial director. Abdi acted as head of the firm’s commercial property department in its Newcastle-under-Lyme regional office.
With a career spanning 17 years, Noble is highly experienced in advising on the full spectrum of commercial property matters, including acquisitions and disposals, portfolio work and business tenancies.
Nobe also brings expertise in mixed-use developments, option and overage agreements, as well as corporate support work – assisting on the property aspects of company sales and acquisitions.
Ebrahimi, said: “It was clear from my first meeting with Harper James that the culture, its client base, strength in depth across the different practice areas and ambition made them stand out. Being part of such a well-resourced, integrated and knowledgeable team of lawyers will allow me to support clients who are looking to capitalise on opportunities in the commercial property market and beyond.”
Head of commercial property, Parmjit Gill said: “We are thrilled to welcome Abdi and Michelle, marking yet another significant milestone in the expansion of our commercial property services. Their hires will enhance the expertise and capabilities of our team of specialised commercial property lawyers, enabling us to better meet our clients’ increasing needs for legal support in this domain, and with Abdi joining us, we will be expanding our services in the development sector.”
A Shropshire law firm has strengthened its commercial property and agriculture teams with the appointment of a new solicitor who is making a return to the Midlands.
James Dodson, who grew up in Worcestershire has joined Lanyon Bowdler.
Dodson read law at the University of East Anglia and obtained an LLM in Legal Practice from BBP University Law School, Birmingham.
Following the completion of his training contract with a firm in the North West, he has relocated to the Midlands with his wife and young family.
During his training contract, Dodson undertook residential and commercial property work, before focusing his practice on all aspects of commercial property upon qualification.
Before his training contract, he acted on commercial property matters at an international law firm in Birmingham, and at a fashion brand in the South West.
James Dodson
He said: “It is a great privilege to join Lanyon Bowdler, the firm is ranked in both The Legal 500 and Chambers UK, and has a strong reputation for its commercial property practice. It is a Top 200 UK Law Firm and represents a wide range of clients from individuals, SMEs and businesses, both national and international in scope.
“Lanyon Bowdler has created a strong collegiate environment for its team and has the expertise and experience to provide clients from all walks of life with the very best legal service. I look forward to developing my career within the firm.”
Praveen Chaudhari, head of Lanyon Bowdler’s commercial and agricultural property department, said: “Demand continues to grow for our legal expertise in the area of agriculture and commercial property and we are delighted to welcome James to the team – he is already proving to be a valuable asset.
“He has an impressive CV and a strong sense of customer service and care for clients that are an essential part of who we are as a law firm.”
Seddon Housing Partnerships has named Tony Clark as its new regional director for the Midlands as it seeks to accelerate growth in the region.
Clark brings more than 40 years of experience to the role and was most recently the Property Operations Director at Orbit Housing.
Tony Clark
Before working at Orbit, he spent time working at various housing associations and local authorities.
He has also held various voluntary positions, including roles with the National Housing Maintenance Forum and the National Housing Federation.
Clark will be the focal point of delivery in the Midlands and will work to enhance the entire delivery journey at Seddon so he can achieve excellence for his customers and partners.
He said: “I am delighted to be the new Regional Director for the Midlands. Investment in new and existing homes is desperately needed in the Midlands. I am looking forward to working with partners to understand their needs and to deliver for local communities across the region.
“I know Seddon genuinely lives its values, putting customer excellence at the heart of its operations. I can’t wait to build on this in my new role and I look forward to being a valuable resource in the future of Seddon in the Midlands.”
Peter Jackson, managing director at Seddon Housing Partnerships, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Tony to the team. He is a fantastic new addition to the business. Growth in the Midlands will be the focal point of Tony’s new role as we, at Seddon, are keen to expand in this important part of the country.
“With Tony’s years of experience, knowledge and expertise, we are confident we can deliver a first-class service for our customers and partners, and as a result, improve the lives of communities throughout the region.
“Tony won’t just be in charge of new build housing, as our Midlands offer also includes a refurbishment and retrofit service, as well as a net zero carbon consultancy service, all to enhance and make local properties fit for the coming years and beyond.”
