Penningtons Manches Cooper has appointed two new partners to its Birmingham office which is growing rapidly.
Andrew Mellor and James Gooch, both experienced commercial real estate specialists, have joined the firm from Shakespeare Martineau’s Birmingham office.
Andrew specializes in handling complex real estate developments, providing guidance to clients with regards to commercial and mixed-use sites. He caters to large-scale projects including industrial and logistics schemes, student accommodation, and build-to-rent schemes in city centers and outskirts. Andrew has been acknowledged as a leading individual in The Legal 500, a highly-regarded legal directory.
James is a well-rounded legal practitioner who represents investors, developers, and occupiers in the industrial, residential, office, and retail sectors across the Midlands. He is known for his practical approach to deal making, and has successfully completed several high-profile transactions in recent years for clients like Opus Land and Jessup Partnerships, earning him a strong reputation in the regional market. He is also highly regarded by the legal directories, with clients and peers commending his in-depth knowledge and expertise.
In 2019, Penningtons Manches Cooper opened its Birmingham office, which was the first UK location established outside of London and the South East. The firm recruited real estate partner Joel Kordan to lead the office and has since attracted several prominent lawyers as it expands its regional presence. The corporate practice has seen significant growth following the addition of partners Adam McGiveron, Emma Bryant, and Richard Wrigley in 2021, as well as senior associate Andy Rushfirth, a banking expert who joined the team in 2022. As a result, the firm has been involved in several successful transactions.
The office is proud to have intellectual property partner Dr. Lisa Page, who specializes in the life sciences sector and also serves as the director of the West Midlands’ Health Technologies Cluster, as well as consultant Hugo Stephens, a renowned social housing lawyer in the country. Additionally, clients can receive valuable employment law advice from local specialists.
Helen Drayton, Penningtons Manches Cooper’s CEO, commented: “We’re incredibly pleased to welcome Andrew and James to the firm. They’re a great fit for both the Birmingham team, and for our wider real estate practice. Supporting the continued expansion of our Birmingham office is a key part of our UK strategy; their excellent experience and local knowledge of the local commercial property market is an important step in our journey. We look forward to working with them.”
Partner James Nadin, who leads the firm’s commercial property practice said: “Andrew and James are both excellent lawyers with first-class skills and experience. As well as being great additions to the our real estate team nationally, they will be instrumental in delivering for clients at the highest level across the Midlands, helping to drive the growth of our practice in this key region.”
Andrew Mellor said: “Penningtons Manches Cooper has established a great reputation in the Birmingham business community over the last few years. We’re excited to have the opportunity to work with a talented and committed team of colleagues and help contribute to the ongoing growth and success of the office.”
James Gooch added: “The firm’s strong national brand and exceptionally broad range of services offers significant long term growth potential in the regional market and is also a real, immediate advantage to ambitious clients with complex requirements.”
For detailed information, as well as the picture copyright, please see the law firm’s original article here: COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE PARTNER DUO ADDS BREADTH TO PENNINGTONS MANCHES COOPER’S BIRMINGHAM OFFICE.
