Three go up in the ranks at Muckle

May 7 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

COMMERCIAL law firm Muckle LLP has made three promotions, including two new partners, as the firm’s development continues ahead of its move to new offices.

The expanding firm has promoted Alex Craig and Chris Maddock to partners. Both swell partner numbers in their respective groups (commercial services and employment services) to three and take overall partner numbers at the expanding firm to 21.

In addition, Joanne Davison joins recent recruit Alastair Smith as the newest associate in the firm’s corporate team, now one of the largest in the region.

Managing partner Stephen McNicol said: “Muckle LLP has continued with its strategic growth plan across a number of specialisms within the business – the corporate, public sector, property and employment teams in particular.

“Our new offices will accommodate this sustained growth and provide the platform for future stages of the firm’s expansion. For this, it is vital that we recruit and retain the right people who share in our passion for delivering excellent service and forging strong relationships with our clients.

“The promotions of Chris, Alex and Joanne reflect the continued success we have in developing our people and recognising their contributions to the firm.”

Alex has been with the firm for 10 years, joining in 1998. She is the latest in a line of homegrown lawyers who have successfully progressed from trainee to partner, including Stephen McNicol.

Alex said: “I am delighted to be joining the partnership at such an exciting time in the firm’s progression.

“It has expanded considerably since I joined as a trainee in 1998 and is continuing to do so, which is reflected in its move to Time Central and recruitment across the firm.”

Mr McNicol added: “It is important for any service-orientated business that the calibre and blend of people is right. We work hard to achieve the right balance between the talented people that we bring into the business at an early age and who we commit significant amounts of time and resource to in order to realise their full potential, and strategic lateral hires.”

The firm is relocating to more than 44,000sq ft of space on three floors of the new seven-storey Time Central development on Newcastle’s Gallowgate, placing the firm at the heart of the regenerated western end of the city centre.