A law firm has strengthened its expertise in commercial property with the appointment of two senior lawyers.
James McEwen has joined BHP law in Newcastle as an associate, while solicitor Rachel Fletcher is based at the firm's offices in Darlington and Teesside. Both trained and qualified with London firms.
James, who was born in Darlington and spent the first few years of his life in Great Lumley, near Durham before moving to London, has been back in the North East for around ten years, working at firms on Teesside and Newcastle.
He said: "Commercial property is becoming more active as we emerge from the recession. There hasn't been much enthusiasm over the last few years and that's been problematic for developers and property owners, so it's good news that the market is beginning to move.
"I represent clients in everything from large scale development to the sale of a small corner shop. Landlord and tenant matters are a particular specialism, and I've worked on a number of care home purchases. I'm pleased to be able to use that experience in a bigger firm with an excellent reputation and stay in the city."
Rachel, whose partner is a lecturer in maths at Durham University, worked in the property team of a London law firm for five years before spending a year in Albania where she specialised in new build development work.
She worked at Southampton University from 2009 in the research department focusing in the area of IT law, data protection, human rights and privacy.
Whilst working at the university, Rachel studied a masters degree in politics, receiving a distinction upon qualification in 2011.
BHP Law’s managing partner John Pratt said: "With the arrival of James and Rachel to our growing team of experienced lawyers we are uniquely placed to deal with any commercial property matter anywhere in the region."
