Newcastle law firm plans to build on successful first year

Nov 25 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

NATIONAL commercial law firm Beachcroft says its first year in the North East has been a marked success and expects a strong 2010 which could see it recruit up to a further 10 lawyers.

The Newcastle office of the 250-year-old practice opened in November last year and during that time it has increased staff numbers from 27 to 40.

This week it secured work from seven regional NHS trusts – further raising its profile in the healthcare sector which the firm says is one of its main strengths.

The Newcastle office is headed by regional senior partner David Weatherburn, who established the North East arm after leaving the healthcare division of Eversheds law firm.

Mr Weatherburn said: “The success of the last 12 months provides the perfect platform for our future growth.

“We’ve never been happy to rest on our laurels and, although we are a relatively new addition to the Newcastle legal scene, the time is right for expansion.”

He expects fee income for the first year of the Newcastle division to come in at around £3m which is “slightly ahead of expectations”.

Beachcroft Newcastle is a provider of full service legal advice to several local NHS trusts, as well as servicing the litigation needs of private healthcare companies such as BUPA, Spire and Priory.

In its first year its personal injury claims department has attracted major clients such as Greggs and Northumbria Water and their insurers.

The Newcastle branch, which is based in Time Central on Gallowgate, also acts for household names such as Cadburys and ATS Euromaster, based outside the North East.

Already providing expert advice across a range of practice areas – including employment law, healthcare risk, clinical negligence, professional indemnity and personal injury – the firm is now looking to expand further with the formation of a claims validation team for insurance clients.

Two legal executives have been recruited to the team, which will be headed by partner Catherine Burt, and another two appointments are due in the New Year.

Mr Weatherburn added: “Our new claims validation team will offer a unique service in the North East and bring back to the region the type of insurance work which has for so long been taken outside the area.

“This development will enable us to offer added value to clients.”