People: Lead partner for Clarion’s IP practice appointed following Martin’s move to DLA; and more

ESTHER KIRWAN has been promoted to head Clarion’s intellectual property practice, replacing Leigh Martin who has joined DLA Piper.

Ms Kirwan, who has been with Clarion for six years, spending the last three years as a partner, has more than 17 years’ IP experience.

She joined Clarion in 2010 as a senior associate.  Specialising in contentious and non-contentious IP, she has expertise in all IP matters relating to patents, designs, trade marks, passing off, copyright, databases and confidential information.  Her experience includes litigation and dispute resolution (ranging from Court of Appeal patent disputes to trade mark oppositions), as well as advising on registered IP protection, IP agreements and exploitation.  

Mr Martin has joined DLA Piper as partner in the intellectual property group in Leeds.

He was head of the IP practice at Clarion, which he founded in 2009.

Prior to his time at Clarion, Mr Martin was a member of DLA Piper’s IP Group for several years, following a move to Leeds from London.

Head of the IP team in Leeds, Chris Tulley said: “Leigh’s expertise, his success at Clarion and his previous work with us made him a natural fit for the team. He will be invaluable as we look to guide clients through the challenges posed by the intellectual property landscape, today and in years to come.”

Mark Vipan, head of IP and technology in Leeds, added: “We are delighted to have Leigh with us at DLA Piper once more. Our international Intellectual Property practice continues to go from strength to strength, and Leigh will be a great asset as we build the practice further.”

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LAW firm Andrew Jackson has recruited Adam Sinclair, who will be a key addition to the firm’s business development team.

The announcement follows the recent opening of the firm’s latest regional office in Scarborough last month.

Mr Sinclair said: “I started my career in the legal profession myself, working in property law in London and, whilst I made the move to the world of business and commerce many years ago, I have retained the basis of knowledge and skills that will enable me to bridge the gap between legal services and the needs of business clients.”

Mr Sinclair has previously worked in senior management in Yorkshire for many years as managing director of a large family business.  Until now, he has chaired York’s new Business Improvement District comprising over 1,000 businesses.

Mark Pearson-Kendall, managing partner of Andrew Jackson, said: “Adam’s client focussed approach to connecting businesses and legal advisors is a perfect fit for the firm, so we are delighted to have him on board.  Andrew Jackson’s commitment to the provision of trusted legal advice in a commercial and practical manner is consistently recognised in our client feedback. 

“With his roots in Yorkshire, both professionally and personally, Adam is well respected for his work throughout the UK, with a varied career as an employer and a leader voice in the business community and brings an invaluable perspective to the team. I am excited that with Adam’s valuable insight and expertise, we will be able to provide tailored legal solutions to more businesses and individuals throughout UK and overseas.”

Andrew Jackson has offices in Hull, York, Scarborough and Grimsby.