Firm rewards its 'fantastic first 11' for dedication

May 16 2007 By The Journal

Watson Burton has announced its largest set of promotions with 11 of its solicitors taking on new roles at the Newcastle firm. There are six new partners and five new associates at the firm, which has offices in Leeds and London.

Senior partner Rob Langley said: "We have a fantastic first 11 here, all of whom have actively contributed to the development of our firm.

"The promotions reward exceptional commitment from talented individuals, and I congratulate them all on their well-earned success."

The new partners are:

Gill Burnett
Gill specialises in professions and insurance. She joined Watson Burton four years ago after 10 years at London law firm Cameron McKenna. She has particular expertise in complex claims against solicitors.

John Devine
John has developed a specialist practice in sports law and charities law, which now both enjoy national reputations, raising the firm's profile in highly competitive areas. He has brought numerous new clients to Watson Burton since he joined in 1997.

Simon Scougall
An experienced commercial property lawyer, Simon has built a strong reputation with clients including Bellway and the Co-operative Group Ltd.

Martin Smith
Martin is a key member of the Leeds corporate finance team and has played a major role in its growth and the overall development of the Leeds office.

Mark Whitehead
Since joining Watson Burton in 2005 from Dickinson Dees, Mark has driven forward the development of the firm's commercial practice and has introduced a number of high profile new clients, particularly in the chemicals and pharmaceuticals sector.

Sarah Wilson
Sarah is an experienced litigator in the construction department with valuable non-contentious expertise. Sarah recently carried out a successful secondment with Clugston Group. She has been with Watson Burton for eight years.

The five new associates are:

Eric Cambridge
Eric joined the firm 11 years ago and is an expert in licensing law. He is now also working on regulatory matters.

Andrew Cawkwell
Andrew, who trained and qualified with Watson Burton, works in corporate recovery and insolvency and has gained particular expertise in personal insolvency. Chambers national legal directory quotes him as a "rising star" and one of the UK's "leaders in their fields".

Matt Dalzell
Based in commercial property for more than five years, Matt has recently moved to the firm's Leeds office and is helping to develop its busy property practice.

James Harrison
A non-contentious construction lawyer, James has recently completed a successful secondment in the firm's London office.

James Nightingale
Qualified since 2002 and a member of the Leeds corporate finance team, James works for a number of the firm's key clients, including Countrywide and Clugston.