Napthens announces 14 new hires across the business

By Tim Aldred

13 Feb 2024

Napthens New Starters 2024 Group Shot

Law firm Napthens has announced 14 new appointments across its Preston, Blackburn, Cumbria and Liverpool offices.

The corporate team is boosted by the arrival of two solicitors, a senior associate solicitor and a legal director.

Specialist tax lawyer Clare Smith joins as legal director, bringing more than 25 years’ experience in private practice and industry. She will provide full-service support on transaction work, tax structuring schemes and employee equity incentive plans.

Craig Whittingham also joins the corporate department as a senior associate solicitor, while Makhala Kirwan and Michael Truman have been appointed as solicitors to support the team’s increasing deal volume.

Keith Melling, head of corporate, said: "We’ve made fantastic progress over recent years, as businesses are looking to us as the smart alternative to the national law firms and this allows us to continue to enjoy sustained steady growth.”

In addition, Napthens’ private client team adds three new hires, with Helen Gaskell rejoining the firm as legal director, after a 13-year absence. Helen was previously in the wills and estate planning department and will be focused on Napthens’ Fylde Coast and Lancashire regions.

Joining Helen are senior associate solicitor Rhianna Bateson and legal assistant Janine Mercer.

The firm’s Commercial Litigation team also sees the arrival of solicitors Liam Ockleshaw, Solaman Naveed and legal assistant Sophie Smith. All will be under the guidance of experienced litigators and David Bailey and John Whittingslow.

In addition, Napthens’ residential conveyancing team is boosted with the arrival of legal assistant Wendy Blakely in the Cumbrian team where Lauren Barnes also returns, and Demi Mason joins the Liverpool team as the department continues to grow under the stewardship of Sarah Barnes.

The firm has also recruited a number of roles within the business support services, to ensure all fee earners and departments receive the required levels of support. This includes Aaisha Ibrahim who joins the people and HR team, and Stuart Game who bolsters the technology and projects team.

Jamie Allison, partner, head of real estate and the firm’ Cumbria office, said: “We finished 2023 with a raft of new hires, and to continue that recruitment across a number of services within the business in early 2024, clearly demonstrates true and sustainable growth across the firm.

“Clare’s experience is a vital addition to the corporate team, while Helen’s return to the firm clearly demonstrates the credibility of Napthens to attract ambitious and experienced professionals.

“However, our recruitment drive is not finished and we’re expecting further hires in the coming months.”

Enjoyed this? Read more from Tim Aldred

Latest news

1

Investment drives growth plan at CoolKit Coolkit Vans

Investment drives growth plan at CoolKit

11 Jul 2025

2

Story Homes submits plans for 140 new homes in Longton Story Homes plans

Story Homes submits plans for 140 new homes in Longton

11 Jul 2025

3

University of Lancashire climbs 14 places in student positivity survey Happy students at ULAN

University of Lancashire climbs 14 places in student positivity survey

10 Jul 2025

4

Forbes Solicitors achieves strong growth and promotes 15 Forbes Solicitors promotions

Forbes Solicitors achieves strong growth and promotes 15

10 Jul 2025

5

Communications company raises investment will fuel global expansion Laurence Tan (Investment Associate, Praetura Ventures); Charlie Morris (Director, Corporate Finance (Mergers & Acquisitions); Ian Rose (Chairman, Audiebant); Josh Dean (CEO, Audiebant); Peter Carway (Investment Director, Praetura Ventures)

Communications company raises investment will fuel global expansion

10 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV123 July/August Launch Event
Lancashire Business View magazine launch
Networking
16 Jul 2025

LBV123 July/August Launch Event

Burnley College University Courses Building, Burnley, BB12 0AN

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Shaping Preston's future by remembering its past
1750160034867.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Jul 2025 - 16 Jul 2025

Shaping Preston's future by remembering its past

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:30

Chamber Summer BBQ
LBV Hub Social
17 Jul 2025 - 17 Jul 2025

Chamber Summer BBQ

The Borough, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

17:30 - 20:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

Lancashire Business Day 2025
241122lbvlancashiredaylhp0647web
Networking
27 Nov 2025

Lancashire Business Day 2025

Burnley FC , Burnley, BB10 4BX

12:00 - 17:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin