Top family lawyer joins Sydney Mitchell

SYDNEY Mitchell has strengthened its expanding family team with the recruitment of lawyer Nigel Mears, who  joins the firm from DWF and Cobbetts where he was head of the family team in Birmingham.

Mears, who has over 25 years’ experience working with families, said he was looking forward to developing the firm’s family services in Birmingham.

The family team at Sydney Mitchell is led by partners, Karen Moores and Mauro Vinti.

Ms Moores said: “When faced with complex financial cases, expert advice is essential.  Nigel has helped many clients through the trauma of family breakdown and works closely with his clients to find a workable solution to ensure the sensitivities surrounding children are at the heart of the matter.  Nigel will be able to call upon the expertise of Sydney Mitchell’s private client, corporate and litigation teams where appropriate to ensure that solutions are found using a multi-disciplinary approach.”

In addition to DWF and Cobbetts, Mears has also worked for other leading Legal 500 firms in and around the city including Amery Parkes and Shakespeare Putsmans.

Lanyon Bowdler promotes newly-qualified solicitor

SHROPSHIRE law firm Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors has promoted one of its younger members of staff after they successfully became a fully qualified solicitor.

David Pugh, 27, (pictured) has been appointed to the firm’s private client team in Shrewsbury, dealing with wills, trusts and probate matters.

Pugh joined Lanyon Bowdler in March 2012 as a legal assistant before starting his training contract in September 2012.

Managing partner David Battisby said: “We are very proud of our trainee solicitors as they are integral to the future of the company.

“Our congratulations go to David, who is carrying out excellent work for his clients and is already a valuable member of the team.”

Two new trainees for Band Hatton Button

COVENTRY-based Band Hatton Button has appointed Danielle Chetwynd and Aimee Southall as trainee solicitors.

Ms Chetwynd, left, initially joined the practice in 2012 to work as a paralegal and assistant to partner Nick Button.

The 23-year-old has since built up her experience in the residential property department, dealing with conveyancing matters including sales, purchases, shared ownership properties and transfers of equity.

Ms Southall, 22, right, joined the firm as a legal assistant in January 2014 to work part-time whilst she completed a legal practice course and Masters degree in legal practice at the University of Law in Birmingham.

Both will now begin their training to become fully qualified solicitors and will work closely with senior colleagues at the practice to broaden their knowledge and experience of the legal profession.

Mark Moseley, managing director at Band Hatton Button, said: “We are delighted to have two promising young legal professionals join the team as trainee solicitors. They will continue to work closely with senior partners at the firm who will help to nurture their talent and I am confident they will both become valuable assets to the team.

“Our commitment to the training and development of young legal professionals helps to ensure that we continue to offer the highest quality services to our clients.”