Latest news with #BrowneJacobson
Business News Wales
12 hours ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Law Firm Signs 10-Year Lease at One Central Square after Rapid Growth
Browne Jacobson – Laura Hughes and Tim Edds Browne Jacobson has committed to a long-term future in the Welsh legal market after signing a 10-year lease for a larger Cardiff city centre office. The UK and Ireland law firm will move into a 9,500 sq ft space on the fourth floor at One Central Square in early 2026, providing space for more than 150 people. This will be Browne Jacobson's third Cardiff base in under three years since launching its seventh UK and Ireland office at 36 Park Place in July 2023, following 25 years of working with the Welsh public sector. Having started out with a team of seven, the Cardiff team has grown to 35 people, including seven partners and two legal directors delivering the full spectrum of legal services in Wales. It moved into a temporary base at 14 St Andrew's Crescent last year, with the intention of finding a long-term base to accommodate further anticipated growth. Central location and larger space for growing team Browne Jacobson's Cardiff team will now work with fit-out partner Office Innovations to design the workspace at One Central Square, which will also be the new Cardiff home for PwC, alongside existing tenants Tramshed Tech and Hodge Bank. Constructed to the BREEAM Excellent energy efficiency rating, the 10-storey building is between Cardiff Central railway station and the Principality Stadium in the city's premier business location. Tim Edds, Head of Cardiff and office co-founder, said: 'Ever since we opened an office in Cardiff, we knew we would need to find a larger space to accommodate our very rapid growth because of the high demand for our legal services. 'Our public sector work for clients, including the Welsh Government, Qualifications Wales and Natural Resources Wales, provided the platform on which to establish the office and helped us to cement these existing relationships while allowing us to build our full service offering to business via a series of strategic hires. 'This integration of our public sector and business expertise has enabled us to advise on key projects that will supercharge economic growth across Wales, while developing a client roster of market-leading Welsh businesses and organisations, fast-growth tech companies, private equity and venture capital investors, and high-net-worth entrepreneurs. 'Our ability to attract high-calibre clients stems from our team's deep understanding of the Welsh market, and ability to integrate the expertise and resources of Browne Jacobson's national platform seamlessly. We now look forward to continuing our growth at One Central Square.' Key appointments and projects in Cardiff Browne Jacobson's Cardiff office now covers all its departments and target market groups. Its service lines include planning and environmental law, health advisory litigation, corporate transactions, education, real estate, social housing, construction, and regulatory matters. It is also aligned with key Welsh economic drivers, with specialists in technology, energy, green infrastructure, health, education, aerospace and devolution. Key Cardiff recent appointments have included new corporate partners Tom Saunderson, Phil Pugh and Christian Farrow, real estate partner Rich MacPhail, and education legal director Trish D'Souza, who is President of the Cardiff & District Law Society. In addition, Browne Jacobson appointed what is believed to be Wales' first in-house pupil barrister within private practice, enrolling David Drew on a two-year pupillage. Landmark projects the team has advised on include the Celtic Freeport, which will regenerate heavy engineering sites in Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire for net zero energy production; Morlais, Europe's largest consented tidal energy scheme off the coast of Anglesey; and Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, the renewable energy development company for Wales. Browne Jacobson, which was earlier this year reappointed to the Welsh Government Commercial Division legal services panel, has also advised the Welsh Government on the Covid-19 Inquiry as the sole external solicitors and on reforming Welsh primary healthcare. The firm has helped to draft new regulations governing NHS GP contracts, which will promote greater access to GP appointments across Wales. Supporting the Cardiff business community The Welsh Government has also hosted students participating in the firm's award-winning FAIRE (Fairer Access into Real Experience) social mobility programme, run four times out of the Cardiff office in the past 12 months, with a day spent at the Senedd. The firm has been a keen supporter of the local business community via attendance and sponsorship of various events across Wales. It has partnered with nationally-recognised organisations such as Team Wales, Arts and Business Wales, Chambers Wales and the CBI, while backing the Law Society Wales' campaign to introduce level 7 legal apprenticeships. Laura Hughes, Executive Lead for Wales, said: 'Alongside bringing our full suite of legal services to Wales, we've been very keen to create a legacy here via our social mobility initiatives, which we believe can make a substantial difference to the perception of the legal profession and professional services among Welsh young people. 'We know that Welsh people love living in Wales surrounded by their family and communities. By signalling our long-term commitment to Cardiff and Wales more broadly, we're excited about being able to offer more opportunities for some of the nation's best legal and professional services talent to join a Top 50 law firm.' Avison Young acted for Browne Jacobson in the lease agreement transaction, while Knight Frank acted for landlord Cetza Trustees Limited.
Business News Wales
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Browne Jacobson Partner Speaks at United Nations Summit
A Browne Jacobson partner spoke about the role of legal frameworks in promoting gender equality and protecting human rights at a summit hosted by the United Nations (UN). Laura Hughes, Head of Public Law at the UK and Ireland law firm, joined a panel discussion at the inaugural Global Empowerment and Inclusion Summit, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The summit featured debates on cultural exchange, youth empowerment, sports, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as drivers of lasting peace and sustainable development. It was the brainchild of Bernie Davies, who founded Mastering Diversity CIC and is patron of TechCeFaCos Group. It brought together entrepreneurs, legal and finance experts, sports and arts representatives, and community leaders. Laura's panel included Emma Waddingham, Vice-President of the Cardiff and District Law Society, and owner of Legal News Wales; Gwen Morgan-Evans, Partner at Hugh James; Michelle Cronin, Commercial Director at Thompsons Solicitors; and Dr Sally Penni MBE, a barrister and public speaker. Laura said: 'It was an absolute privilege to be invited to be part of the first Global Empowerment and Inclusion Summit and speak at the UN about a subject that is close to my heart. 'I felt humbled sharing a stage with such accomplished, articulate and strong women, with galvanising discussions on how to create lasting positive change by harnessing the diversity that exists in our society. 'There were key insights on the role that legal frameworks can have in promoting DEI – an issue at the heart of Browne Jacobson's values as an inclusive firm working at the forefront of society's biggest issues.' Laura, who is also Executive Lead for Wales at Browne Jacobson, was named Law Firm Leader of the Year at a National Law Firm at the Women and Diversity in Law Awards earlier this year in recognition of her DEI leadership and advocacy for gender equality.
Daily Record
25-05-2025
- Daily Record
Rock climber facing double leg amputation sues partner who 'let go of rope'
David Littlejohn is reportedly suing Shane Williams for £1million compensation after the accident. A climber who may be forced to have both legs amputated and broke his neck, has blamed his partner for allegedly letting go of the rope. David Littlejohn, 55, is reportedly suing Shane Williams for £1million compensation following the accident at Avon Gorge, Bristol, in May, 2023. He broke his sternum, pelvis and feet after falling down a 56 feet rock face. They were taking part in a climb known as the Arms Race when he put his weight on the rope under the impression that Mr Williams had a firm grip on it, reports the Mirror. And he claims that his climbing partner let go of the rope without telling him, with the result that he went crashing down the rock face. Two years on from the accident and Mr Littlejohn still has constant back pain, his orthopaedic surgeon reportedly told a court, and he may need to have both legs amputated if reconstructive surgery on his feet does not work out. Mr Littlejohn also claims that he suffers from anxiety and depression as well as panic attacks since his fall. Documents presented to the High Court allege that he is only able to walk using a four-wheel aid. He is also said that he trusted Mr Williams as capable as he was a member of The Climbers Club, where members must be proposed and then seconded before they can join. In the court documents he alleges that Mr Williams failed to have 'due regard for his personal safety' and act in accordance with his experience as a competent amateur climber. Mr Littlejohn, of Lymsham, near Weston-super-Mare, told The Telegraph: 'I hope this will be resolved quickly given the serious impact of my severe injuries on me, my family and my work life.' Stephanie Clarke of Stewarts Law, Mr Littlejohn's solicitor, states in the claim: 'The Defendant had let go of the rope or otherwise taken the Claimant off belay where it had not been clearly and unequivocally communicated by the Claimant as leader that this was required.' Mr Williams's legal team at Browne Jacobson solicitors have yet to file a defence against the claim with the court. Browne Jacobson has been contacted for a statement. It comes after a rock climber who plunged around 400ft down a mountain somehow hiked to his car in the dark and then drove to a pay phone to call for help. Anton Tselykh, 38, survived the ordeal against all odds as, despite suffering internal bleeding and head trauma, he staggered for more than 12 hours to the pay phone. He was desperate to call for help for his three companions; Vishnu Irigireddy, Tim Nguyen and Oleksander Martynenko, who also fell down the steep terrain in North Cascades National Park in Washington, United States. The three friends sadly died of their injuries. Anton managed to extricate himself from a tangle of ropes, helmets and other equipment to leave on his rescue mission on Saturday. He is now in hospital receiving treatment for various injuries, including the head wound. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Climber who fell 56ft and may lose legs is suing partner who 'let go of rope'
David Littlejohn, 55, suffered horrific injuries after falling down a 56 feet ravine at Avon Gorge, Bristol, and he is now suing his climbing partner Shane Williams for £1million in compensation A climber who broke his neck and may be forced to have both legs amputated blames his partner for allegedly letting go of the rope. David Littlejohn, 55, is reportedly suing Shane Williams for £1million compensation following the accident at Avon Gorge, Bristol, in May, 2023. He broke his sternum, pelvis and feet after falling down a 56 feet rock face. They were taking part in a climb known as the Arms Race when he put his weight on the rope under the impression that Mr Williams had a firm grip on it. And he claims that his climbing partner let go of the rope without telling him, with the result that he went crashing down the rock face. Two years on from the accident and Mr Littlejohn still has constant back pain, his orthopaedic surgeon reportedly told a court, and he may need to have both legs amputated if reconstructive surgery on his feet does not work out. Mr Littlejohn also claims that he suffers from anxiety and depression as well as panic attacks since his fall. Documents presented to the High Court allege that he is only able to walk using a four-wheel aid. He is also said that he trusted Mr Williams as capable as he was a member of The Climbers Club, where members must be proposed and then seconded before they can join. In the court documents he alleges that Mr Williams failed to have 'due regard for his personal safety' and act in accordance with his experience as a competent amateur climber. Mr Littlejohn, of Lymsham, near Weston-super-Mare, told The Telegraph: 'I hope this will be resolved quickly given the serious impact of my severe injuries on me, my family and my work life.' Stephanie Clarke of Stewarts Law, Mr Littlejohn's solicitor, states in the claim: 'The Defendant had let go of the rope or otherwise taken the Claimant off belay where it had not been clearly and unequivocally communicated by the Claimant as leader that this was required.' Mr Williams's legal team at Browne Jacobson solicitors have yet to file a defence against the claim with the court. The Mirror has contacted Browne Jacobson for a statement. It comes after a rock climber who plunged around 400ft down a mountain somehow hiked to his car in the dark and then drove to a pay phone to call for help. Anton Tselykh, 38, survived the ordeal against all odds as, despite suffering internal bleeding and head trauma, he staggered for more than 12 hours to the pay phone. He was desperate to call for help for his three companions; Vishnu Irigireddy, Tim Nguyen and Oleksander Martynenko, who also fell down the steep terrain in North Cascades National Park in Washington, United States. The three friends sadly died of their injuries. Anton managed to extricate himself from a tangle of ropes, helmets and other equipment to leave on his rescue mission on Saturday. He is now in hospital receiving treatment for various injuries, including the head wound.
Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Times
City firms keep it in the family with in-house barrister training
Employed barristers working outside chambers form a fifth of the practising profession — and City law firms are increasingly training them in-house. The Government Legal Department and the Crown Prosecution Service are the largest providers of in-house pupillage, the 12-month training that must be completed to practise as a barrister. But over the past few years regulators, banks and just short of 40 law firms, ranging from high street practices including AHS Law and GT Stewart to larger ones such as Candey, DWF and Joseph Hage Aaronson & Bremen, have started to recruit pupils. Some even have in-house advocacy units that mirror the chambers model. Browne Jacobson was one of the first law firms to train pupils; since 2010 its advocacy team has grown to
