10 minute read
Happenings in Hampshire
Paris Smith launches Sports Law Practice
Partner Clive Dobbin appointed to Sport Resolutions’ National Panel
Paris Smith, a leading law firm in the Central South, announces the launch of its new Sports Law Practice. This follows last week’s announcement that the firm has teamed up with Southampton FC as its Official Legal Partner for the next two years.
The team will be headed by partner Clive Dobbin, who was recently appointed as a Legal Member to the prestigious Sport Resolutions National Panel for 2024-2027, reflecting his exceptional expertise in sports law and dispute resolution.
Clive has a wealth of experience from serving on numerous sporting panels including UK Athletics, Lawn Tennis Association, British Equestrian Federation and formerly Britain American Football Association.
Clive heads a sports law team that includes employment lawyers Sarah Hayes, Adam Wheal and Andrew Willshire and other specialist solicitors from across the firm. This dedicated team of
specialist solicitors brings extensive experience in handling sportsrelated legal matters, offering comprehensive support to sports clubs, governing bodies, athletes and employees. They also provide support in family matters, residential property transactions and trusts, wills and estates to athletes and employees
Clive Dobbin, Partner & Head of the Employment team at Paris Smith:
“We are thrilled to introduce our new Sports Law Practice. Our team’s extensive experience and dedication to the sports sector will ensure that we provide top-tier legal support to our clients. Whether dealing with disciplinary issues, employment matters, property matters or commercial agreements, we are here to help our clients navigate the complexities of sports law with confidence and expertise.”
For more information about Paris Smith’s Sports Law Practice, please visit parissmith.co.uk/your-business/sports-law-solicitors.
Parker Bullen welcomes new Partner, Mark Barratt, to the Residential Property department
Parker Bullen Incorporating Kirklands is delighted to announce the addition of Mark Barratt, Partner in the Residential Property department. Mark, who will be based at the firm’s new office at Strong House in Romsey, joins following the recent merger between Parker Bullen LLP and Kirklands Solicitors LLP, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the well-respected team.
With a career spanning over two decades, Mark has been dedicated to the field of residential conveyancing since leaving university in 2003. His extensive background includes working primarily in Hampshire, with a brief period in Lincolnshire, and he became a Licensed Conveyancer in 2021. Mark’s academic credentials include an LLB (Hons) Degree, further solidifying his comprehensive knowledge and proficiency in the property world.
Mark’s expertise encompasses all facets of residential conveyancing, including sales and purchases, remortgaging, and Transfer of Equity. His calm and reassuring approach has earned him a stellar reputation among clients, guiding them through every step of the process with clarity and ease. He understands the varied emotional landscapes of his clients, whether they are first-time buyers, individuals who have not experienced the property market in years, or those facing challenging personal circumstances.
“Buying or selling a home can be a nerve-wracking experience,” Mark explains. “I strive to make the process as smooth as possible, whether my clients are moving into their dream home or dealing with a sale due
to life changes such as divorce or bereavement. My goal is to take the unnecessary stress out of the equation and achieve timely, satisfactory results. I am delighted to be joining Parker Bullen Incorporating Kirklands at such a pivotal moment in the firm’s history, and look forward to working with my new colleagues, clients and the local business community in Romsey more over the coming months.”
Gareth Horner, Managing Partner, commented, “We are thrilled to have Mark join our team and are confident that his expertise and client-focused approach will be invaluable assets to Parker Bullen Incorporating Kirklands. His presence reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional service and legal guidance in residential property matters and further strengthens our property offering, particularly in Romsey.”
For more information or to discuss your next move with Mark or a member of the team, please visit the website www.parkerbullen.com or call 01794 513466.
Lester Aldridge Launches New Borrower Real Estate Finance Team
We are delighted to announce a new Borrower Real Estate Finance team at Lester Aldridge.
Our specialist team, led by Partner David Fanchi, advises a wide range of borrowers, including developers, contractors, and domestic and international investors, on refinancings, buy-to-let acquisitions, bridging and portfolio properties. Incorporating the extensive experience and market knowledge of our Real Estate Finance and Commercial Real Estate teams, our specialist Borrower team provides a thorough understanding of the complex and diverse elements of real estate financing from a borrower’s perspective.
“Our goal is to offer borrowers unparalleled expertise and strategic advice tailored to their specific needs,” says David Fanchi. “With our vast experience and deep understanding of lender requirements, we are well-positioned to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”
Our team members, with their significant experience representing lenders, work in close collaboration with brokers. This approach ensures that we address lender requirements with commercial insight and efficiency, always keeping our clients’ interests at the forefront.
Each transaction requires bespoke guidance. We engage with clients individually to discuss their specific needs, timelines, costs, and relevant processes tailored to their situations.
Learn more about our team’s capabilities: Lester Aldridge Borrower Real Estate Finance
Lester Aldridge Elevates Southampton Presence with Relocation to Mountbatten House
Leading South Coast law firm Lester Aldridge announces a significant milestone as it prepares to relocate its Southampton office to Mountbatten House, in the heart of Grosvenor Square, Southampton’s premier business district, this July.
Working in collaboration with Vibe Business Interiors, LA has designed a bespoke fit-out of its new office space to reflect the needs of both clients and staff in 2024. The new office, bringing all staff together on a single floorplate, boasts an “LA Café” hub, various formal and informal breakout areas, a “Collaboration Corner”, and more. It also uses the latest technology to facilitate greater communication and innovation.
Having served as the cornerstone of Lester Aldridge’s Southampton presence since its acquisition in 2001, the Carlton Crescent office has witnessed remarkable growth. The Southampton office now
houses seventy dedicated professionals across key departments, including Real Estate, Corporate and Commercial, Personal Injury, and LA Marine, the firm’s specialist marine and shipping law team. The relocation to Mountbatten House aligns with Lester Aldridge’s commitment to basing itself in Southampton city centre.
Reflecting on the impending move, Partner Tom Alder, who has been instrumental in shaping Lester Aldridge’s Southampton journey, expressed his enthusiasm: “As we celebrate 23 years of success in Southampton, we are delighted to announce the relocation to Mountbatten House.
“Our new, purpose-designed space embodies our ethos of collaboration, empowering our teams to thrive and deliver unparalleled legal expertise to our valued clients.”
Lester Aldridge Wins Property Law Firm of the Year for Second Consecutive Year
Leading law firm Lester Aldridge has once again been awarded the prestigious Property Law Firm of the Year title at the South Coast Property Awards 2024, marking their second consecutive win.
The South Coast Property Awards celebrate exceptional achievements, recognising individuals and organisations that significantly contribute to the growth and success of the region’s property market. Showcasing agents, developers, planners, consultants, property lawyers, and dealmakers, the awards recognise the very best within the industry.
The firm’s Real Estate team comprises highly skilled and experienced legal professionals with in-depth industry knowledge. This win reflects the team’s expertise and dedication. Their ability to navigate complex legal landscapes, provide tailored solutions, and deliver exceptional client service has earned them widespread recognition in the South Coast region and beyond.
Mark Benham, Head of Real Estate, accepted the award on behalf of the firm, stating, “Winning the award for two years in a row is a testament to how LA has become the legal adviser of choice for lenders, developers and investors in the south. We are investing heavily in our people to enable them to be the trusted advisors of the future for our clients.”
FROM DC to DG Employment Duo Welcomed to Dutton Gregory Solicitors
With 55 years’ combined experience and highly regarded reputations in the ever-changing landscape of Employment Law, legal specialists and former colleagues, Daryl Cowan and Darren Tibble, have reunited at Dutton Gregory Solicitors.
Since his studies at the College of Law in York, Darren Tibble knew that he wanted to dedicate his legal career to matters of employment. His subsequent success has not only brought recommendations and calls for assistance from employers across the country, but also enabled him to bring over 18 years’ experience of legal practice at Partner level to Dutton Gregory Solicitors.
“Employment Law has evolved dramatically since I started over 25 years ago,’ says Darren. ‘Employees are savvier, they have access to more information and the media enjoys nothing more than reporting salacious cases from Employment Tribunals.’
‘However, with the higher profile and greater awareness of Employment Law inevitably comes misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations, especially when legislation is constantly changing and legal frameworks such as those within the Equality Act are being applied to an increasingly diverse range of cases.’
Before making the move to join Dutton Gregory Solicitors, Darren spent nine years at DC Employment Solicitors in Southampton where he met and worked with founder, Daryl Cowan, who has had a unique and fascinating legal career to date.
After qualifying as a solicitor at Southampton City Council with experience in Magistrates Court, planning and public prosecution, Daryl went on to provide in-house legal counsel to the South East Region of the National Farmers’ Union, dealing with cases including land boundaries, animal attacks and, most of all, employment law.
In 2008, Daryl struck out on his own and started DC Employment Solicitors where he continued to take cases from the farming community, built a well-respected reputation in the field of horseracing and established an enviable network of HR clients across a range of corporate sectors.
“Whilst our work can often be a ‘crisis purchase’, the key to modern employment law is laying and constantly reviewing the groundwork,’ Daryl explains. ‘Whether it is an HR Manager of a large corporation, or a business owner taking on their first employee, our job is to guide and support an organisation so that it is compliant, protected and, should any individual matters arise, we can simply take them away to deal with quickly and efficiently.”
And Daryl’s appointment as a Consultant to Dutton Gregory Solicitors has come at a momentous time. “With a new government set to make huge changes to the rights of employees, company bosses, HR managers and employment professionals need to be alert, vigilant and proactive.”
On the reasons for choosing to join the employment team at Dutton Gregory Solicitors, both men are in agreement.
“The culture and future potential of the firm is really inspiring,’ says Darren. ‘As the firm expands with mergers and opening new offices across the country, it provides us with resources and support to serve existing clients, whilst giving us the capacity to help new ones.’
“We are delighted to welcome Darren and Daryl to the firm,” says Dutton Gregory Solicitors’ Head of Employment, Mark Broad.
“Their experience and knowledge will help clients face the variety of challenges, both known and unknown, that lie ahead, and we will maintain our reputation as a forward-thinking and client-focussed provider of employment solutions.’
