Napthens announces 14 new hires across the business

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.”