Adrian Bland leaves Wragges for Shakespeares

WELL-known property lawyer Adrian Bland has left Birmingham law firm Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co to join city rivals Shakespeares.

Bland had been head of the property group at Wragges for more than a decade and the move will be seen as something of a coup for Shakespeares.

As head of commercial real estate, he will work across the firm’s offices across the Midlands but will be based in Birmingham.
 
Bland is chairman of global real estate think tank Urban Land Institute in the Midlands and sits on ULI’s UK executive committee.

Shakespeares’ property team has expanded significantly in the last three years.
 
Kevin Nagle, group chair real estate at Shakespeares, said: “This is a very exciting time for the real estate team. Adrian’s involvement and extensive knowledge of the property market will continue our rapid growth and help cement our position as a main player in the sector. 
 
“The Shakespeares property team has clear ambitions and we believe that Adrian has the passion and serious leadership expertise to add real strength to the firm. He has trusted relationships with key players in the market and a high profile in both in the Midlands and national property circles.”
 
Bland said: “Shakespeares has very smartly revolutionised its business and in the teeth of market recession successfully driven forward an ambitious strategy over the last six years.

“The firm’s energy and plans are abundant. Realising that potential is a compelling opportunity and challenge for me.”