Bright future after facing challenges head-on
WITH professional services to support the property market, finance and the corporate sector, it is little wonder that law firms have been unable to protect themselves completely from the worst effects of the recession.
But for one North East firm, the picture is a brightening one, with several high points to lift spirits in what has undoubtedly been a testing time for the legal sector.
BHP Law has met the challenges head on.
A leading example of a regional, multi-disciplinary law firm with offices in Newcastle, Durham, Darlington, Teesside and Halifax, BHP Law is not only holding its own in the North East, but is also continuing to be one of the region’s success stories.
The firm’s corporate and commercial expertise has been further boosted with the arrival of new partner and franchising specialist David Lucas, who was instrumental in BHP becoming one of only two law firms in the North East to hold accreditation from the British Franchise Association (BFA).
During the past 12 months, the corporate and commercial team has acted on a number of multi-million pound acquisitions, disposals and company restructures, with clients benefiting from the expertise of respected practice head Graeme Ritzema.
Graeme is also recommended for his expertise in employment law.
The recession has prompted much activity in the area of debt recovery as cash-strapped firms rush to keep their finances buoyant. Tom Lisgo, based at BHP’s Newcastle office, acts for many clients across a range of sectors.
BHP has a strong reputation and acts for both defendants and especially claimants in the area of personal injury, with a number of successful cases to its name.
Newcastle-based partner Paul Saxon is recommended and leads a strong team.
The addition of new partners to BHP’s personal tax, trusts and probate team has further strengthened an already highly experienced and committed department, which has expanded in both size and geographical scope, with staff based in all five offices.
The team has built a regional reputation for complex tax planning and trust work, particularly among high net worth clients. BHP’s family law team also comes highly recommended with a particularly strong presence in Newcastle and other offices.
With several commercial property teams, the firm acts for a wide range of clients in respect of land, office, industrial, leisure, retail, agricultural and residential developments across the UK. Led by recommended partner Simon Robinson, the division has maintained a healthy case load despite the recession-hit property market.
On the planning side, Barney Corrigan now leads a team of planning solicitors and town planners including Katie Wood, a specialist in minerals, waste and development control who has joined from Northumberland County Council.
BHP Law, through its division BHP Sport, is believed to be the only full service sports management and representation agency within a law firm in the North East.
Practice head Robin Winskell, based in Newcastle, acts for Premiership football clubs, footballers and football agents, while in Darlington, BHP Sport is led by FA registered agent and former Liverpool player and Darlington FC manager David Hodgson.
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