WATSON Burton has boosted its commercial litigation group in the North-east with the appointment of associate Gavin Winter.

Gavin is the latest in a number of specialist lawyers to join the leading commercial law firm over the past 12 months, bringing with him more than 12 years of experience in handling a wide variety of disputes, including high value complex claims.

He is highly experienced in managing a mixed caseload, acting for clients on matters ranging from commercial and contractual disputes to negligence actions and property litigation.

In addition to representing high net worth individuals, Gavin has acted for large commercial clients such as Northern Rock and Carlsberg Tetley as well as a number of medium sized businesses.

His recent experience includes advising a large property developer on issues relating to the redevelopment of a mixed use shopping centre and acting in a claim against a local council for compensation arising from a compulsory purchase order valued at £4m.

Primarily based at the firm’s Newcastle headquarters, Gavin will work alongside the commercial litigation team in dealing with corporate litigation, including shareholder, boardroom and partnership disputes.

Christopher Graham, head of employment law at Watson Burton said: “We are extremely pleased that Gavin has chosen to join Watson Burton. As a highly experienced commercial litigator with a great reputation both regionally and nationally, he will prove to be a great asset to the firm moving forward.”