01 March 2021
Law firm expands with two new recruits
Dorset-based Blanchards Bailey LLP has taken on two experienced new recruits to bolster sector teams as business continues to grow.
Legal Executive Michelle Lane (pictured) has joined the Agriculture & Estates team while lawyer Lauren May is now part of the Private Client team.
The appointments are the latest in Blanchards Bailey’s strategic recruitments over the last 12 months to bring in new expertise and increase services to clients.
Michelle has worked locally within property law for more than 15 years, specialising in agricultural property for the last six. Based in Blandford, she acts for farmers and landowners, dealing with the occupation of land such as sales and purchases, easements, tenancy agreements, business leases and secured lending.
She said: “I really enjoy the varied nature of my job and that I get to use my local and practical farming knowledge to ensure my clients’ needs are met.
“I get a real buzz from finding practical solutions to the challenges experienced by clients. Building a rapport with them and getting to know their business and their goals makes the whole legal process much smoother.”
Paul Dunlop, Blanchards Bailey Managing Partner and head of the Agriculture & Estates Team, said: “Michelle is ideally placed to add to the wealth of expertise already available in the Agriculture & Estates team.
“As a firm we are incredibly proud to have a specialist agricultural property team in Dorset and that the team is ranked in the Legal 500.
“We are thrilled that Michelle has joined the team because there is no question that she will be a valuable asset to many clients”.
Lauren, an experienced lawyer who qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2017 and worked for Blanchards Bailey earlier in her career, specialises in wills, powers of attorney, tax and estate planning and deputyship applications.
She joins the firm’s large Private Client Team and will be based in Poundbury once lockdown restrictions are eased, strengthening Blanchards Bailey’s offering in and around Dorchester.
She said: “I have worked in Private Client for 15 years and I am very happy to be returning to this dynamic firm. I pride myself on being friendly and approachable.
“No two days are ever the same. I enjoy problem solving and working through complex legal issues. I love to learn and am fortunate to work in a supportive team who encourage me to develop my skill base.”
Jerome Dodge, Partner and Head of Private Client Services, said: “It’s great to have Lauren back with Blanchards Bailey and to see our Poundbury team in particular go from strength to strength.
“I know the value that she will bring to the team. Her dedication to her clients and conscientious nature speaks for itself and comes through in the relationships she builds with her clients.”
