SJ movers and shakers

MAB to merge with Vizards

Veale Wasbrough Vizards (VWV) is to merge with a significant part of Watford-based commercial outfit Matthew Arnold & Baldwin (MAB). Thirty lawyers from MAB specialising in corporate, commercial, intellectual property/IT, and employment will be merging with VWV. They will continue to be based in Watford and will operate under the VWV brand.

Simon Heald, managing partner of VWV, said: 'This merger will bring together complementary strengths from our two organisations and increase the level of support and range of legal services that we are able to offer businesses in Watford and the surrounding area.'

Richard Phillips from MAB commented: 'We have for some time been exploring opportunities which we believe will enhance our business and the ways in which we operate. We are very pleased to be joining forces with VWV who will bring additional strength and experience to complement our existing team and enhance our offering to local business and the wider community.'

Ince & Co enhances core sector in Hong Kong

Ince & Co has further strengthened its transactional capability with two significant hires. The international firm has announced the appointment of Balbir Bindra as partner and Yeon Jin Seong as counsel in Hong Kong. Bindra joined Ince & Co on 4 January 2016 and Seong in November 2015.

Bindra is a banking and finance lawyer with broad experience in the energy, asset-based finance, and investment sectors in senior roles, while Seong is a US-qualified lawyer specialising in corporate/mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity, project finance, banking and capital market work.

The appointments form part of the firm's strategy to enhance its core sectors of shipping, aviation, energy, insurance, and international trade.

Horwich Farrelly elects new managing partner

Rob Barrett has become the new managing partner at Horwich Farrelly, the insurance industry firm has announced. Barrett, who has been a partner at the firm for over 20 years specialising in high-value road traffic claims for insurers, will take up the new role in February 2016 following the completion of a two-year term by Philip O'Hagan.

Barrett was elected to the firm's top spot by his fellow partners in December 2015. Looking forward to his new role, he said: 'Horwich Farrelly can play a fundamental role in helping our Insurer clients tackle the numerous commercial and regulatory challenges they face. We have a strong and experienced team and I am excited to be carrying on the work spearheaded by Phil O'Hagan during his time as managing partner.'

SAS Daniels recruits five lawyers to support record property team growth

North West firm SAS Daniels has announced the appointment of five new property specialists to support its rapidly expanding team.

Neil Powell joins as a partner in the commercial property team, along with solicitor Emily Clarke and associate solicitors Stewart Smith and Scott Tams. Amy Dickens, also an associate solicitor, joins the residential property team, which saw an increase in cases of 100 per cent in 2015, compared to 2014.

Clarke joins from DWF, Tams joins from Fieldings Porter, and Dickens from Birchall Blackburn Law.

Cartwright King considers further mergers in 2016

Cartwright King is looking to achieve a minimum of 10 per cent growth in 2016, potentially through M&As.

Key areas of focus for the national firm include fraud, cybercrime, court of protection, mental health, family, and care practice areas. The firm will also be scaling up for its criminal duty contract work across the country.

Priorities for the firm in 2016 include increased investment in marketing, customer service, and training. While looking to recruit additional staff over the coming year, the business is also planning to increase its focus on client care, efficiency, and profitability through increased innovation and technology.

Rupert Hawke, the firm's managing director, commented: 'There will be continued consolidation in the area of crime as far as the market is concerned, but as one of the top three providers in this category in terms of turnover, we believe we can carry on and indeed develop our successful track record in criminal law.

'Apart from focusing on organic growth, we will be looking at M&As on a case-by-case basis, with a view to achieving ABS status in the medium to long term. 2015 saw successful mergers with The First Law Partnership, Garstangs Burrows Bussin, and Macnab Clarke, which were all excellent matches for us in terms of mind-set and attitude to delivering quality customer service - which are both critical factors when considering potential merger partners.'

DLA Piper strengthens GCC capability

DLA Piper has strengthened Gulf Cooperation Council capability with the appointment of Ben Gillespie as its corporate regional head. Gillespie joins the firm's Dubai office as a partner, specialising in regional and international M&As, joint ventures, and private equity investments across a wide range of sectors. Gillespie has worked in the Middle East for ten years, most recently as a partner for Addleshaw Goddard and, prior to that, Clyde & Co.

Druces enhances corporate offering with new partner hire

Business and private wealth firm Druces has hired David Smith as a partner from Fasken Martineau's London office. In his new role Smith will contribute to the developing of the firm's corporate practice with a particular emphasis on the life sciences and alternative energy sectors.

Toby Stroh, head of corporate, said: 'David's hire marks an important next step for the firm and the corporate department.'

Cornerstone Barristers announce two new planning silks

Michael Bedford and Richard Ground of Cornerstone Barristers are to be appointed Queen's Counsel in the new silk appointments announced on 11 January 2016. The appointments of the two planning specialists bring the total number of silks at the set to 13.

Philip Kolvin QC, head of chambers, commented: 'This announcement is testament to the strength of Cornerstone Barristers and the further development of the planning team. We are very pleased to congratulate Michael and Richard on their well-deserved appointments as Queen's Counsel.'

HJA enters new partnership with homeless charity

Hodge Jones & Allen has entered into new partnership, Pathway, the homeless healthcare service based at University College Hospital.

The charity helps the NHS improve care for homeless patients from their arrival in hospital through to the securing of safe accommodation upon their discharge. Since 2014 the charity has received pro bono advice from HJA by attending their weekly multi-disciplinary team meetings.

Thanks to a three-year grant from Trust for London, this legal assistance has been formalised. Solicitors at HJA will provide regular updates to Pathway on changes in housing law as well specific advice for patients in need of particular legal representation.