New banking partner at SGH Martineau

SGH Martineau has strengthened its banking team with the appointment of new partner, Chris Gayle, who has been recruited from Wragge & Co.

With a track record in finance, Gayle advises borrowers and lenders, pension trustees and other stakeholders on domestic and multi-jurisdictional transactions.

He has previously worked on an array of different projects, including advising a joint venture company on a multi-million pound property development loan refinancing and has often represented leading financial organisations including on international syndicated deals. He has also worked on substantial property financing deals for a number of large private and institutional developers. Additionally, he was retained by a large City Council as their legal agent on their SME business loan fund.

Andrew Whitehead, senior partner at SGH Martineau said: “Chris’s appointment has given additional strength in depth to an already robust, diverse and very effective team, divided between Birmingham and London. The strong lines of communication we have established between these offices provide added strength and flexibility for us while Chris’s wealth of experience will be of great benefit in ensuring that we are ready to face the challenges of an economy slowly emerging from an unstable economic period.”

Schofield & Associates strengthens with new appointments

BEN Mason has been appointed Assistant Solicitor at niche employment law practice Schofield & Associates.  The employment specialist was previously a solicitor at Staffordshire firm, Pickerings Solicitors.

Based at the Schofield & Associates offices in Knowle, he will play a key role in developing the firm’s employment law services to businesses and individuals across the country.

Eileen Schofield, principal at Schofield & Associates said: “Ben is a tremendous addition to our team and has the skills, experience and enthusiasm we need for the future. He is an extremely capable employment specialist with a bright future and will fit seamlessly into what is an already experienced team.”

The appointment marks a further expansion of the practice following the qualification of Sarah Dodds – pictured with Ben Mason – as solicitor, having successfully completed her training contract.

Legal Clarity underlines growth ambitions with new appointment

BIRMINGHAM boutique law firm Legal Clarity has strengthened its corporate offering with the appointment of new partner Richard Underwood.

Underwood, left, joins from SGH Martineau, where he built his reputation in the firm’s corporate team.

He said: “The market for legal services is evolving rapidly, with opportunities for the large, full service firms becoming increasingly challenging. Legal Clarity has a unique offering, ideally suited to this new marketplace. Our service is partner-led, but focussed entirely on corporate transactions, leveraged with innovative automation technology at the core of our offering.”

Legal Clarity Director James Quinn said: “This is a big step for our business. Attracting an individual of Richard’s calibre, with the reputation he has within the corporate market here in Birmingham is gratifying and an endorsement of our innovative approach.

“Richard is a valuable addition to the team. He helps us bring high quality corporate legal advice within reach of many smaller businesses, more used to the one-stop high street solicitor that perhaps lacks the specific expertise and depth of knowledge in corporate transactions that we offer.”