Law firm Muckle LLP is expanding its agriculture, estates and private client team by appointing solicitor Lois Dokubo.
Ms Dokubo, who qualified in February 2022, will handle legal matters such as landed estate management, deed of easements and commercial leases, rural property finance and sales. Before joining Muckle, she worked and carried out her legal training contract at two well-known North East law firms.
She said: “I’ve only been at Muckle for a short amount of time, but I already feel like I have a strong sense of belonging within the team and wider business. As I’ve been settling in and getting to grips with my role, I’ve mainly been working in high-value rural conveyancing as that’s where my past expertise lies. I’m looking forward to getting to know my clients while also handling a diverse array of legal matters within the agriculture and private client sector.”
David Towns, head of agriculture, estates and private client at Muckle, added: “It’s fantastic to welcome Lois to our rapidly growing team. With extensive experience in delivering great results for clients, along with her dedication to the community, she will be an excellent asset to the team and business.”
Ward Hadaway has announced 12 promotions within its North East team as part of changes across its offices in Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle.
The firm announced the promotion of Vicki Alexander to partner in Ward Hadaway’s debt recovery team. Tom Shears, Katie Adams and Rachel McCartney are now managing associates, James English has been made a director in the employment team and Kieran Kelly, Sally Hyslop, Michelle Fleming, Sarah Way, Sarah Dove, Lauren Frisby and Olivia Brown have been promoted to associates.
Martin Hulls, managing partner at Ward Hadaway, said: “It’s wonderful to announce these promotions across the firm, with 12 in our Newcastle office, which is a reflection of the exceptional talent we have within the business. Every member of the team provides an incredible service to our clients across their specialist areas of law, positioning Ward Hadaway as one of the top law firms in the North of England.”
Ms Alexander said: “I’m thrilled with my promotion to partner, this achievement reflects the incredible support and nurturing environment that the firm provides. Ward Hadaway places its people at the forefront and from day one I have experienced a culture of support, collaboration, and mentorship that has helped me flourish personally and professionally. The firm’s commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace has been instrumental in my journey. I am incredibly grateful to be part of a team that values its employees and encourages their development.”
A North East management consultancy firm has announced following four major promotions. Blake Newport, which has offices in Darlington and London, works in the construction, engineering and outsourcing industries, offering commercial management, planning, dispute resolution and expert witness services.
Senior consultants Steven Blake and James Knox, both based in the Darlington office, have been promoted to associate directors, while London-based Gary Bone and Justin Prince have been promoted to director roles.
Mr Knox said: “Steven and I will be responsible for promotion and business development of Blake Newport in the North, something we’re both looking forward to being more involved in. It’s rewarding to see my career progressing with Blake Newport and the greater capacity we have for business development in the region will help the firm continue to flourish.”
Managing director Greg Brownlee said: “These promotions are part of an ongoing period of growth for Blake Newport, in terms of both headcount and turnover. This growth is largely down to an increased focus on business development on our part, along with an increasing need for high quality consultancy and dispute resolution services in the sectors we target.”
Housing developer Lovell Partnerships has recruited Tracey Iles to head up its sales and marketing team. Ms Iles joins the team with more than 20 years’ new homes and construction experience, having previously worked for four national housebuilders, working her way up from field sales manager to senior sales manager, before becoming sales director. At Lovell she will be responsible for directing marketing initiatives to promote new developments and enhance sales.
She said: “I’ve worked in the property world for so many years now, but Lovell’s reputation for excellence has always preceded it. Following the North East region’s launch in 2021, the team has gone from strength to strength, and it’s exciting to get the opportunity to be a part of that. The North East region has an ambitious growth plan with a number of new sites coming to fruition across North Yorkshire, Durham and Tyne and Wear, and I’m looking forward to supporting the team during what is set to be an exciting time.
“I’ve joined an incredible team committed to delivering homes of outstanding quality. I’ve been inspired by their enthusiasm, and I look forward to engaging with existing and new clients in the coming months”.
An experienced family law specialist who began his career with North East law firm Hay & Kilner has taken over as the head of its family law team. Christian Butler secured a training contract with Hay & Kilner but developed his knowledge with a different firm before rejoining as a partner two years ago.
Mr Butler, who has been recognised as a ‘Rising Star’ in the Legal 500 as well as ‘one to watch’ by the Chambers and Partners legal ranking guide, specialises in managing disputes arising from divorce and separation which involve complex assets, companies, pensions and property portfolios. He also acts for parents and wider family members in matters relating to arrangements for children and has expertise in pre- and post-nuptial agreements.
He said: “There has been a huge amount of change in family law over the last couple of years, with the introduction of new rules allowing people to apply for a divorce without delay, a new option for a joint application for divorce, and the removal of almost all options for contesting a divorce. We’ve also seen a real surge in a wide range of family matters since the pandemic arose, a surge which is still very much being played out today. Hay & Kilner has demonstrated a clear ambition towards achieving an even stronger position in the region’s legal sector and I’ll be looking to use my new role to increase my contribution towards reaching this goal.”
