Legal practice strengthens offering with host of new appointments

North West independent legal practice Brabners has strengthened its offering in the region following a series of appointments in its Preston office.

The firm, which also has offices in Liverpool and Manchester, has appointed Sarah Murphy as a partner within its private client team.

Murphy is a Legal 500 recommended lawyer and a member of the Law Society’s Private Client Section Committee, which acts as a national advisory board for legal issues including wills, powers of attorney and estate administration.

Commenting on her appointment, Murphy said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining Brabners with the firm clearly going from strength to strength. As one of the most vulnerable sections of society, elderly people rely on receiving legal advice that is straightforward and tailored to their needs.

“The team here is committed to that approach and I’m looking forward to working with them to grow our private client portfolio.”

Alongside Murphy, associate Hannah Bates and solicitor Mairead Platt also join the firm. Bates is a private client lawyer and previously worked for Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand LLP. Meanwhile, Platt joins Brabners’ corporate team from KBL Solicitors and will work alongside head of corporate, Nikki Whittle.

The appointments are the latest development in Brabners’ ongoing three-year growth plan. The firm announced an eight per cent increase in year-on-year turnover to £31m for the financial year 2017/18. Headcount has also increased by 7% to 386 in the past 12 months, which includes 65 partners.

Other recent senior appointments for Brabners in the North West include Christine Hart as head of employment (Preston), Paul Firth as head of real estate and Robert Nieri as partner within the firm’s charity practice.

Nik White, managing partner at Brabners, added: “Hiring the best talent is an essential part of our growth strategy and will help us to cement the firm’s position as the region’s leading independent legal practice. Sarah, Hannah, Mairead and Christine definitely strengthen our leading team based in Preston and will mean we are even better placed to support our Lancashire and Cumbria clients.”