NEW RECRUIT FOR BRUM RESIDENTIAL TEAM

After a string of successful client wins, full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau has expanded its residential development offering in the West Midlands with the appointment of solicitor Jack Kelly.

With more than eight years’ postqualified experience, Jack has joined the firm as a legal director from Gowling WLG.

In his new role, he will be acting for developers, landowners and promoters on all aspects of residential development, with a particular focus on open market acquisitions and disposals, promotion of land, and developer-side affordable housing deals.

Jack, who is based in Birmingham but working with clients and teams nationally, said: “I am delighted to have joined Shakespeare Martineau and was particularly attracted to the firm’s authentic and collaborative culture and beliefs, which strongly align with mine.

“I take great pleasure in seeing prospective development sites – which typically begin the development cycle as bare land – come to fruition as places in which people reside, build communities and, ultimately, spend their lives.

“There still appears to be a stigma in respect of new-build developments to some degree, but developers are becoming increasingly conscious of the need to design visually-appealing schemes that will leave a positive legacy in their local area.

“In particular, I am looking forward to using my expertise to help the residential development team deliver on client growth and assist the junior lawyers to achieve their ambitions at the firm. I also aim to build long-term relationships with clients by understanding who they are and what they want to accomplish, while providing clear, concise and pragmatic advice.”