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Birketts—five appointments

08 May 2025
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
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Firm welcomes five new partners in corporate, construction and residential development
Birketts has announced that five new partners will be joining its partnership in May 2025.

They are:

  • Damocles Merry, Corporate 
  • Salim Somjee, Corporate 
  • Helen Garner, Corporate 
  • Simon Oats, Construction
  • Phil Brown, Residential Development
The appointments bring the total number of partners at Birketts to 135.   

The corporate team will be boosted by the arrival of Damocles, Salim and Helen. 

Damocles joins Birketts from Osborne Clarke, while Salim and Helen previously held positions at Cripps.

Simon, formerly of Eversheds, will enhance the construction team, while Phil’s arrival will bolster the residential development Team.

On the appointments, Jonathan Agar, Chief Executive, said: 'We are delighted to welcome our new Partners to Birketts. I have no doubt that individually they will play a significant role in Birketts’ continuing success and growth. Collectively, their vast experience will be invaluable in enhancing our client offering.'

Chris Schwer, Senior Partner, added: 'These appointments demonstrate our commitment to delivering next level law. Bringing a wealth of experience, they will ensure Birketts is well positioned for future growth in 2025.'

Image caption:
Front L-R: Damocles Merry, Jonathan Agar, Phil Brown
Back L-R: Helen Garner, Salim Somjee, Simon Oats. 

MOVERS & SHAKERS

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Firm grows private wealth practice with transatlantic hire

Michelmores—Jennifer Morrissey

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Financial services and securities litigation specialist joins as partner in London

Shakespeare Martineau—David Smithen

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South West land team bolstered by real estate partner hire in Bristol

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