Ashfords LLP strengthens Bristol office

Leading law firm, Ashfords LLP, has strengthened its Bristol office, with the appointments of Derek Moore to the Social Housing Team, Michael Duncan to the Property Litigation Team and James Blackwell, who joins the Planning Team.

Ashfords' Bristol office has continued its impressive growth with a number of senior recruits joining over recent years across its key sectors.

James Blackwell joins the Ashfords Planning Team, which is ranked as one of the top 20 national planning practices. James advises on all areas of planning law, but has particular expertise in residential and mixed-use development, retail planning and renewable energy projects. 

Derek Moore joins Ashfords as a Legal Director in Social Housing bringing with him a wealth of experience in advising registered providers and charitable organisations on property matters including site acquisition, development and regeneration. He has a wealth of experience advising on the management of these sites including sales, tenancies and leases, shared ownership and is an expert in property-related VAT issues and complex property transactions..

Michael Duncan is an experienced property litigation lawyer advising clients on all aspects of commercial property litigation. He is a member of the Property Litigation Association and sits on the Junior Committee.

Commenting on the appointments, Partner and Head of Bristol at Ashfords LLP, Chris Dyson: "We're delighted to welcome three more highly experienced lawyers to the Bristol office as we continue our strategic growth plan, with a focus on attracting and retaining top talent in key sectors."

Rob Nicholson, Partner in Ashfords' Property Litigation Team, said: "Michael's appointment will bolster the properly litigation offering we have in Bristol and will complement our expanding real estate and planning practices."

David Richardson, Partner in Ashfords' Planning Team said: James's appointment is another important step both in growing the planning team's presence in Bristol, and further strengthening Ashfords' real estate capability out of the Bristol office."

Michael added: "Ashfords is a firm that is clearly going from strength to strength. The decision to join was an easy one and I look forward to assisting with the further development of its already well-established property litigation offering."