Law firm Shakespeare Martineau has hired two new partners to their real estate team, the latest in a series of recent appointments and promotions into Birmingham and Solihull.
Neil Gosling brings a wealth of experience throughout the property development legal sector, having been formerly employed at both Gateley Plc and Shoosmiths. He has worked for the majority of the top 10 national housebuilders during his career.
Kate Onions is a contentious construction lawyer, with over 15 years of experience resolving construction and engineering disputes. Kate is also making her move from Gateley Plc, where she advised on a wide range of disputes along with numerous technology and construction court claims.
Neil and Kate will use their breadth of practical knowledge and well-honed skills to advise developers, builders, land owners and contractors on all aspects of property development, construction and engineering.
Neil Gosling, said: “Shakespeare Martineau is a firm whose passion and commitment to quality legal services speaks for itself. I aim to continue their stellar work, servicing existing clients while also striving to grow the firm’s property development practice throughout the Midlands.”
Kate Onions, said: “Construction in the Midlands is currently in a state of real growth and clients are seeking specialist advisers now more than ever. Honing in on the importance of local knowledge and detailed sector knowledge perfectly, places Shakespeare Martineau at the forefront of some of the region’s biggest projects. I’m looking forward to working with the firm’s already established real estate team and continuing their client-centric approach.”
In just the past year, the firm’s real estate team has seen sustained growth, with the addition of 16 new recruits across the practice. The series of hires marks the firm’s commitment to serving clients with the best advisers on the market.
Adrian Bland, head of commercial real estate at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “Across the region, we see tall cranes, intensive development activity, new infrastructure underway or in the pipeline – and a pressing need for more housing. All this is set against a backdrop of national uncertainty: the tribulations of the UK Government and the rumblings of the Brexit talks. Clients can see opportunity but need to know their risks are well-managed and their legal position robust. That’s where experts like Neil and Kate come in.”
The firm has also hired corporate lawyer Lisa Botterill, who will join the firm’s Leicester office as a partner.
Lisa was formerly a partner at Nelsons since 2014 and has over 15 years of experience in the sector. She has expertise in all matters of corporate law, from the healthcare sector, working with care homes and residential homes, joint ventures bringing together funders and developers on property developments across the country, and acquisitions and reorganisations, and has built up strong client relationships in the area.
Lisa joins the firm as they continue to grow the corporate team across the East Midlands. She will be utilising her vast local and community knowledge, as well as her wide range of sector experience, to give legal advice and handle transactions of all varieties.
Roy Botterill, partner and head of the Leicester office, said: “Here in Leicester we have seen our office continue to grow over recent years. Lisa’s appointment further consolidates our commitment to provide clients with top quality consultancy from the very best legal minds that the East Midlands has to offer.
“With a wealth of experience, a strong local reputation and a cracking surname to boot, Lisa more than fits the bill for us. Having worked with Lisa for many years previously, I am assured in the knowledge that she will continue our efforts to provide our clients with outstanding legal solutions and commercial guidance.”
Lisa Botterill said of her appointment: “Shakespeare Martineau is a highly respected presence throughout the East Midlands legal scene and I am thrilled to be joining the firm at a time of such expansion and development. I look forward to working with the team to further strengthen their community ties and expand the firm’s client base throughout Leicester and the surrounding area.”
