Law firm Shoosmiths has launched a new finance litigation and regulatory service in Birmingham with the appointment of a team of four from BPE Solicitors.

It boosts Shoosmiths finance litigation and regulatory practice which is headed up by partner Waine Mannix and boasts over 180 staff nationally.

Jo Davis joins as a partner advising lenders in the credit, motor finance and leasing market on consumer credit compliance and litigation.

She was named "Credit Litigator of 2007" at the recent Credit Today industry awards and is a director of the Consumer Credit Trade Association.

Before joining Shoosmiths, she was a partner and head of credit and asset finance at BPE in Cheltenham and prior to that, she was a litigation manager at Royscot Trust, part of RBS Group.

Daksha Mistry joins Shoosmiths as an associate, advising on both contentious litigation and recoveries for all types of lenders.

Solicitor Natalie Evans arrives to advise clients in the credit and asset finance markets on litigation and recoveries and Stephanie Sandford becomes a litigation case handler.

Head of Shoosmiths Birmingham office, Joel Kordan, said: "We are delighted that Jo and her team chose to join us.

"They are recognised as one of the most dynamic up-and-coming teams in finance litigation and regulatory work and have a great reputation in the market. It's an exciting opportunity to develop new business nationally as well as being part of the continuing growth of Shoosmiths Birmingham office."

Ms Davis said: "I was attracted to Shoo-smiths because it is an established name. The credit industry is operating in a highly regulated environment and is experiencing a rise in litigation with the impact of the current 'credit crunch'. Shoosmiths impressive infrastructure allows us to offer a high support level to clients."