Midlands law firm Challinors has been appointed to a top government advice panel.

The firm was given a spot on the treasury solicitor’s department panel based on its dispute resolution team being able to demonstrate the necessary scope and depth of expertise in specialist litigation work.

The treasury solicitor’s department provides legal services to more than 180 central government departments and other publicly-funded bodies in England and Wales, and collects ownerless property that belongs to the Crown. It is structured in three divisions: litigation and employment group, advisory division and bona vacantia (ownerless property).

Arun Chauhan, partner in Challinors’ dispute resolution department, heads up the fraud and asset recovery team which operates out of its Birmingham city centre office, and will work with the government on litigation work.

Challinors’ appointment to the panel will see the firm deliver litigation services to the treasury solicitor’s department and other central government bodies for three years, with immediate effect.

Mr Chauhan said: “The appointment demonstrates our increasing strength in both the depth and expertise in the specialist area of litigation, and in particular will see us providing litigation support and investigative services to the panel.

“Furthermore, it adds to our recognised credibility in this area, notably for our fraud and asset recovery team that forms part of the department, and draws on the exceptional legal expertise of associate Mark Kenkre, something he has received special recognition for in the latest Chambers UK Directory.

“Without doubt, it demonstrates the team’s ability to win work from large national institutions which only goes to enhance Challinors’ reputation as one of the leading mid-tier commercial litigation teams in the Midlands. It also cements the firm’s presence as a progressive and innovative practice.”

Mr Chauhan said Challinors had benefited from the growing popularity of dispute resolution, as there was an increased move towards out of court settlements.

He said: “Whereas once a claimant would seek the high point of recovery, and the defendant would fight so only to ensure that the least sum is paid in damages, both sides are increasingly conscious about the costs and litigation risk against the backdrop of the strains presented by the economy.”