New recruit is music to the ears of The Wilkes Partnership

THE Solihull office of The Wilkes Partnership has strengthened its dispute resolution and litigation with the recruitment of Felix Dodd.

Dodd, who in his spare time is an accomplished pianist, joins the firm’s litigation department from Stafford-based ORJ Solicitors.  

His experience includes involvement in a wide range of commercial disputes including those connected with intellectual property (IP).  In this area, his experience has included protecting design rights and copyright and defending companies from trade mark infringement.

Nick Carter, who heads the partnership’s litigation team, said: “Felix’s recruitment is a sign of our confidence in the future, as the growth prospects of the economy continue to improve, and of our intent to expand the team here in Solihull.  

“His general commercial litigation expertise will add further strength in depth to our team, while his focus on IP law will enable us to add more value to our commercial clients’ businesses.”

The Wilkes Partnership merged with Solihull-based Williamson & Soden in May 2013 and has a 15-strong team dispute resolution and litigation team based in Solihull and Birmingham.

First legal apprentice for De Marco Solicitors

COVENTRY law firm De Marco Solicitors has recruited Zareena Harris as a new legal apprentice.

Ms Harris, left, has been given the chance to qualify in her chosen profession without having to go to university following the nationwide introduction of the legal apprenticeship scheme last March.

Ms Harris, aged 19, is the first legal apprentice to be appointed by the firm.

Her role is to support the firm’s team of employment and business law specialists, from drafting employment contracts to preparing trial documents, and liaising with clients. After completing her apprenticeship, she hopes to continue her studies to achieve a qualification as a legal executive or solicitor.

Sandra Garlick, principal of De Marco Solicitors, is planning to take on another legal apprentice early next year.

She said: “There are many appealing features of this new type of apprenticeship for employers.  They are able to build rapport with their apprentice and see them through their journey into the legal profession step-by-step.

“This ensures that the high standards that are required in their firm and in the general conduct of lawyers are embedded from the very beginning.”

New real estate partner for Aaron & Partners

SHREWSBURY-based Aaron & Partners has continued its expansion with the appointment of a new partner in its real estate team.
 
Trish Randles has joined Aaron & Partners from Chester’s Walker Smith Way, where she was a partner in the commercial property department.
 
She will divide her time between Aaron & Partners’ Shrewsbury and Chester offices.
 
Andy Duxbury, chief executive of Aaron & Partners, said: “Trish brings with her a great deal of experience and expertise along with a notable reputation amongst property agents, which will further strengthen our real estate team at a time when demand for our services is growing.”
 
The firm employs more than 100 people in total, with offices in Chester and Manchester, as well as Shrewsbury.
 
Pictured are Paul Bennett and Trish Randles with Richard Forrester, head of real estate at Aaron & Partners.