BHP Law

BHP Law is boosting its existing corporate and commercial teams with senior lawyers across several disciplines as it seeks to grow its company work region-wide from offices in Durham, Darlington, Stockton and Newcastle.

Corporate lawyer Gary Copeland, who has been with the firm for many years, has been joined by new partner and team leader Marc Allison, who has previously worked as in-house lawyer for a multi-national listed company and run his own law firm.

Marc is a member of the British Franchise Association and an affiliate member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply.

The growth of the firm's corporate team has been supported by the arrival of experienced lawyer and head of dispute resolution Leigh Ferguson.

Leigh has broad expertise covering a wide range of commercial disputes including claimant and defendant work involving breach of contract claims, negligence, misrepresentation, partnership disputes, fraud and complex debt recovery.

Commercial property specialist Jane French has brought considerable experience from both the public and private sectors, including acting for Scottish investors and banks with commercial property interests in England.

For employers, Andrew Lightburn is developing further the firm’s employment law services for companies needing advice on negotiating settlements or facing claims from aggrieved employees.

The firm has also been boosted with the arrival of new conveyancing solicitor Kelly Slater.

Marc says: “The range of expertise within the firm is immense and there are no matters that we cannot deal with effectively and efficiently on behalf of business clients, large and small.

“It’s a very exciting time to have joined BHP Law with so many new colleagues arriving to support the existing expertise within the firm and build on our reputation across the region.”

Managing partner John Pratt adds: “We’re delighted with all our new appointments which add real strength and depth to what was already a highly regarded corporate and commercial team. We all look forward to meeting the needs of a growing client base and seeing the firm continuing to flourish as we seek to expand still further.”