BPE said two high-profile appointments to its commercial property practice in Birmingham signaled the law firm's serious ambitions for growth in the city.
Adele McDermott joins as a partner from the Wilkes Partnership, where she was head of property.
She moves after 11 years at Wilkes, where she was involved as legal adviser for Castle Vale Housing Action Trust, one of the country's most successful regeneration projects. The 12-year, £270 million programme saw the construction or improvement of more than 3,400 homes, the redevelopment of Castle Vale's shopping centre, health, social and environmental schemes.
Ms McDermott said: "BPE has a reputation for quality and innovation in Birmingham, and is committed to raising the firm's profile in the city. I relish a challenge and it is an exciting opportunity to be in at the start of the next phase of growth."
Jeanette Darby joins BPE as a partner from Bevan Brittan, and brings with her the in-house property holding of a major pension fund as a client.
Her work focuses on regeneration projects with both public and private organisations, and on the commercial property portfolios of pension funds and institutional investors.
She said: "Alongside the firm's friendly, open culture, there's an entrepreneurial edge which means services are delivered with a commercial, yet fresh, focus. I see great opportunities to grow the practice and look forward to the challenges ahead."
BPE senior partner John Workman said: "We're delighted to welcome Adele and Jeanette, who each bring to BPE a real depth of experience across a wealth of clients.
"They join a motivated team of people who are carving out a name for BPE in the city as a mid-market firm with real bite. Such senior appointments are clear proof of our commitment to invest in Birmingham."
BPE has its headquarters in Cheltenham. ..SUPL:
