Partner Article

New appointment resolves to continue Higgs' growth

Midlands law firm Higgs & Sons has appointed a leading commercial property litigation expert as a partner to strengthen its renowned Dispute Resolution team.

Paul Barker joins the Brierley Hill based firm from Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co where he had worked since qualifying in 2003.

“Higgs & Sons has an excellent reputation which, although this is only my first week here, the firm is certainly living up to,” comments Paul.

“Everyone here at Higgs is committed to providing the very best in terms of cutting edge legal practice and client service. The ambition of the firm is clear to see from the strong growth that has taken place during what have been extremely challenging times over recent years.”

Paul studied Law at the University of Birmingham, before completing his training contract at Eversheds in Manchester. After qualifying in 2003, he returned to the Midlands, where he worked for Wragges’ for 13 years, specialising in commercial property litigation, an area in which he has always had a keen interest.

“I decided early on in my career that property litigation was where I wanted to focus. Over the last 12 years I have acted for a diverse range of clients and advised in a number of high profile cases. I have a particular interest in the retail sector having worked for some of the UK’s biggest high street names including Waterstones, Poundland and B&Q.”

Lancashire born Paul is keen to use this experience to build on the existing strengths of Higgs’ Dispute Resolution team. Recently ranked as a ‘star associate’ and noted for being ‘committed, intelligent and extremely hard working’ by renowned legal directory, Chambers & Partners, Paul is a member of the Property Litigation Association (PLA) and sits on its Law Reform committee, advising members on key sector initiatives. He is also a regular contributor to sector specific publications including Estates Gazette and Property Week.

Away from work, Paul enjoys the great outdoors and can often be seen behind the wheel of his 1977 VW camper van, travelling to various festivals throughout the UK.

Higgs’ partner and fellow litigator in the firm’s Dispute Resolution team, Nyree Applegarth comments: “We are thrilled that Paul is joining us at this exciting time in our development. “He has a wealth of experience having worked with household name retailers, developers, house builders, funds and large corporates on all aspects of property litigation.

“Paul’s skill set will complement the team perfectly as we seek to build on our recent successes and cement our reputation as one of the leading departments in the region.”

Higgs & Sons is an award-winning Midlands law firm, employing over 200 people, based in prestigious offices in Brierley Hill. Recognised nationally and across the Midlands, Higgs & Sons is proud of its heritage and reputation for consistently delivering exceptional standards of service.

To find out more about the Dispute Resolution team, please contact Paul Barker on 0845 111 5050.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Taylor .