Newcastle law firm Eversheds follows client wins with appointments

Feb 10 2010 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

INTERNATIONAL law firm Eversheds is strengthening its Newcastle and Edinburgh offices following a number of recent client wins.

Corporate partner Charles Reynard, former general counsel for an international chemicals company, joins to head up the Newcastle corporate team.

Alan Fletcher – who previously headed the Newcastle corporate team, and is dual qualified in both English and Scottish law – is to develop the firm’s Edinburgh office, which recently celebrated its first anniversary. He will continue to live in Newcastle.

Property partner Ben Done joins from Dickinson Dees and will continue to specialise in commercial property investment and development.

Ruth Connorton, head of company commercial, says Reynard’s impressive international track record as a corporate finance partner with Nabarro and from key in-house roles in the energy and chemical sectors, is already reaping rewards.

Commenting on the recruitment of property partner Ben Done, Adrian Stanley, senior Newcastle partner, said: “Ben is a significant appointment for the Newcastle office. He is a high quality partner with a track record of developing excellent client relationships, he brings a wealth of experience in both corporate and public sector real estate.”

He added: “Both partners agree they chose Eversheds because they believe it is the only law firm operating within this region that provides the breadth of resource and has national and international capability to service clients.”

Ian Gilthorpe, North East business development partner said: “These appointments are really good news as we look to focus on growing our North Eastern and International business.

“In addition, we see great potential in Alan’s move to Edinburgh as it opens up huge opportunities for our clients across both offices.”

Eversheds’ recent projects include acting for the Department of Transport on resolution of the East Coast Main Line Rail franchise.

They have also acted for One North East on the creation of North East Jeremie superfund, and for the Forewind Consortium on its successful bid for the Dogger Bank Offshore wind project.