A leading lawyer has been headhunted to boost the energy and utilities team at Birmingham firm Martineau Johnson.
Andrew Poole, formerly a partner at Newcastle-on-Tyne-based Dickinson Dees, has joined as a partner.
He will advise clients on renewable energy projects such as biofuel facilities, waste management schemes and windfarms.
Martineau already acts for offshore windfarm developer Warwick Energy.
Energy and utilities team head Andrew Whitehead believes Mr Poole's skills and experience will prove important.
"Andrew is a big hitter in the renewables sector and a very experienced construction lawyer," said Mr Whitehead. "The renewables sector is a part of our overall energy and utilities practice which shows huge growth potential as clients gear up to take advantage of the various initiatives currently out there seeking to attract investment in new plant and facilities as part of the broader climate change agenda.
Mr Poole was with Dickinson Dees for 12 years.
Aside from his work in the energy sector, he advised on many major schemes including a 750 acre urban regeneration project in East London, the £100 million Sunderland Metro and the redevelopment of the Milburn Stand at Newcastle United Football Club's St James' Park ground.
Meanwhile two employees at the firm have quickly risen through the ranks.
Kavita Patel and Bhavesh Amlani have both recently been promoted to senior associate, underlining the commitment to homegrown talent.
Ms Patel, who hails from the Midlands, graduated from law school in 1999 and carried out her training at Martineau, joining the funds practice of the corporate group just over four years ago.
Mr Amlani qualified in 2001 and moved to the law firm five years ago from a niche property practice in London. He has been promoted after just eight months as an associate in the commercial property team.
Mr Barker commented: "With our recent period of successful new contract wins, Kavita and Bhavesh's promotions are a great start to 2006.
"It is important that we nurture the up-and-coming talent we have within our organisation and also recognise the high calibre of our trainee intake."
