Brabners announces senior appointments

The Preston office of law firm Brabners has announced senior appointments to its real estate team.

Paul Firth, who is recognised as a pre-eminent real estate lawyer, has joined the firm as head of real estate, along with senior associates Matthew Barnes, Usha Sharma and Helen Burns.

The appointments are part of Brabners' plans to strengthen its property and construction practice, which employs 100 people across its three offices.

Paul has more than 33 years of experience in the commercial property market, where he has a particular expertise in advising developers, major institutions both public and private and large companies on large scale property schemes.

He is the former UK managing partner at DLA Piper and the former national head of real estate at Irwin Mitchell, a position that saw him triple the size of the practice in just four years.

Matthew, Usha and Helen bring a combined experience of more than 30 years to the firm from Kier Group, Hill Dickinson and BLP respectively.

Paul said: “Brabners has undergone a step-change in recent months and joining the firm at such an exciting time is a fantastic opportunity. The firm is already renowned for its expertise in the property and construction market and the calibre of the clients it supports is a clear sign of its pedigree in this market."

Nik White, managing partner of Brabners, added: “Paul is one of the UK’s most highly-regarded real estate lawyers and bringing him on board alongside Matthew, Usha and Helen is true statement of intent for the firm. "Paul’s strategic guidance and vast experience will help us build on the momentum we have created over the past 12 months.”