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This week's North East appointments

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A roundup of the latest appointments from across the region this week.

Newtons Solicitors

North East law firm Newtons Solicitors has revealed a raft of new appointments across its Thirsk, Richmond and Northallerton offices.

The firm has added Dorothy Price and Jack Stainthorpe to its residential conveyancing team, while Katie Ward and Elizabeth Whitaker have linked up with its Wills Trusts and Probate department.

Elizabeth Whitaker, a solicitor who has relocated to Yorkshire from Cirencester, (where she worked for Sewell Mullings Logie LLP) will be based in Richmond. Elizabeth specialises in advising individuals in all aspects of Wills, Probate and Trust law and is a member of STEP, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

Katie Ward, is a solicitor who advises clients on everything from preparing Wills and Letters of Wishes to administering Estates. She joins the team from Coles Solicitors and will be based in the Northallerton office.

Dorothy Price, a conveyancing executive with over 40 years’ experience in all aspects of residential property transactions, also joins Newtons from Coles Solicitors and will be based at the office in Thirsk.

Jack Stainthorpe, a conveyancing executive, who has recently worked at Latimer Hinks in Darlington, will be based in Northallerton. Jack is experienced in all aspects of residential property transactions including sales and purchases.

Meanwhile, Fran Maxwell, a senior private client solicitor, has moved from Leyburn to Northallerton to manage the team.

In addition, Estella Pengilley, a senior solicitor and an expert in dispute resolution, will also now be based in Northallerton, working with the litigation team.

David Birks, director at Newtons Solicitors, said: “We’ve had some great lawyers join our team recently with more due to arrive. Our Northallerton office seemed huge when we first moved into it, so we’re obviously delighted at how it is filling up.”

Dr Teresa Fortune, North East LEP

One of the country’s leading healthcare professionals has joined the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to drive forward the region’s innovative health and life sciences sector.

Dr Teresa Fortune, an experienced research manager from Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, has been appointed Health and Life Sciences Programme Lead at the North East LEP.

Tasked with aiding the economic development of the North East by supporting growth in the life sciences and healthcare sector, Teresa has a wealth of experience in the field having held senior positions at the National Institute for Health Research and One North East.

Teresa said: “Health and life sciences is identified as a key growth area for the North East because we already hold a diverse range of specialisms. Our region’s universities are world leading and our thriving pharmaceutical industry adds over £1bn to the national economy, exporting over 85% of its output.”

“We want to build on our knowledge and reputation by investing in the sector to create more and better jobs here in the North East.

“It’s a very exciting time to be joining the North East LEP, particularly following the launch of our refreshed strategic economic plan for the region. The health and life sciences sector provides a huge opportunity in terms of economic growth and job creation, helping us to achieve our aim to create 100,000 more and better jobs for the North East economy by 2024.

“I’m looking forward to working with central government to ensure the region’s strengths in this sector are a core part of the UK’s wider industrial strategy.”

Helen Golightly, Executive Director at the North East LEP said: “Teresa’s skills and experience make her the perfect person to lead our work around health and life sciences.

“She’s worked in the region for a number of years and has an excellent knowledge of the healthcare cluster in the North East. We’re delighted to welcome her to the team.”

Guy Barr, GBLF

GORDON Brown Law Firm LLP (GBLF) has strengthened its talented workforce with the addition of experienced solicitor Guy Barr.

Guy, 44, has joined the firm’s Newcastle Office as an Associate Solicitor, which will see him focus on providing cost effective advice on disputes, risks and wider commercial issues to a client base of businesses and individuals.

Guy has a background in Professional Negligence and is looking to develop his practice in assisting clients with insurance claims and negligence claims against professionals.

He will also work closely with GBLF’s head of Wills, Trust and Probate, Rebecca Harbron Gray, on contentious probate disputes.

He brings with him a wealth of knowledge, having completed his legal studies at Northumbria University and gained a number of years’ experience on the North East legal scene.

After qualifying as a solicitor at the Newcastle office of a leading commercial law firm, Guy became senior associate and then partner at a top regional law firm, and is now taking the next steps in his career with a new role at GBLF.

Guy said: “I was drawn to GBLF due to its reputation as an established and well-respected firm and a mover and shaker in the North East legal market.

“The firm has a clear focus on technology and innovation in order to serve clients more effectively and efficiently, with progressive initiatives such as introducing a paperless office, as well as a sound business model and a young and ambitious workforce.

“In my new role, I will be working as part of a great team, and will have the opportunity to develop the Dispute Resolution department alongside property litigation specialist James Godden, whilst exploring new development strategies for the firm in the dispute resolution market.

“I will also be working closely with the Wills, Trust and Probate team alongside Rebecca Harbron Gray to aid in its growth, which is a fantastic opportunity given its reputation as one of the best in the region.”

Ashleigh Warne, Mincoffs

Mincoffs has announced the recent appointment of Ashleigh Warne, who joins the firm as a Solicitor in the Residential Property team.

Ashleigh achieved a 2:1 M Law Exempting Degree at Northumbria University before completing her training contract at another established North East firm, where she qualified as a solicitor in August 2016.

She gained experience in wills, lasting powers of attorney and probate as well as residential and commercial property before settling into residential property at Mincoffs.

Head of Residential Property, Una Coulson, commented: “Ashleigh is a great addition to our ever-expanding team. She has already gained a strong reputation in the property sector and we are delighted to have her on board.”

Ashleigh added “I am thrilled to have joined the Residential Property team at Mincoffs and I am excited for the future!”

Join us next monday for more North East appointment news.