Birketts has operated a ‘hub’ in Bristol since January 2021, which has acted as a collaborative space for its South West-based Partners and lawyers. In line with the firm’s growth strategy and reflecting the dynamic South West economy, the firm will establish a full-service presence in Bristol in autumn 2024, providing business and private client services across the region, as well as in the UK and internationally.
The firm will be based in EQ; a pioneering office development located in the heart of Bristol, just a short walk from Bristol Temple Meads train station. EQ is the first new build office in Bristol which has committed to deliver Net Zero Carbon (NZC) in operation, in accordance with the UK Green Building Council’s framework approach.
The five Partners leading the firm’s Bristol practice are: Tom Berisford (Banking and Finance); Deborah Carrivick (International Private Client), Stuart Cleak (Real Estate Renewables), Dan Crockford and Alex Penberthy (Shipping and International Trade). These Partners are joined by seven lawyers: Legal Directors Clarissa Dumolo and Jane Johnson, Senior Associates Oliver Evans and Joanna Mansel, Associate Mark Brookman, Solicitor Markella Papadopoulou, Trainee Legal Executive Jade Urbanski, and three Business Services professionals: Gabbie Hazzell, Kate Jenkins, and Jazz Gee.
The office will have a strong sector focus, including financial institutions, insurance, private wealth, renewables and clean energy, agribusiness, and shipping and international trade.
On the announcement, Jonathan Agar, Chief Executive at Birketts said: “The opening of our Bristol office is a key step in Birketts’ growth trajectory and will further expand our network of offices in southern England. Our hub has been extremely successful and has laid the foundations for the introduction of our brand of Next Level Law to the South West. The feedback from clients in Bristol has made it crystal clear how much potential there is for the firm to operate competitively from an established office in the city, and we look forward to being able to provide both new and existing clients a more comprehensive legal service from our new location.”
On behalf of the Bristol Partners, Deborah Carrivick said: “We have all lived and worked in Bristol for many years and are delighted that Birketts is formalising our presence in the city. We are also pleased to have secured an office space which aligns with the firm’s ESG strategy. We have a top flight team of nationally and internationally recognised experts in Bristol and the strength and depth of this team means we can offer opportunities for talented lawyers to work on regional, national, and international matters. We are very proud of the Birketts culture, and we would be very interested to speak to anyone about joining us as we embark on the next chapter in our exciting growth story.”
