Five law firms have announced significant appointments and expansions with Napthens naming a new legal director for conveyancing, Thomson Snell & Passmore appointing a new head of real estate, and conveyancing firm Montpellier Legal opening a new office in central London.
Tammy Jones has been appointed to lead the residential conveyancing team at Merseyside firm Napthens, following 27 years at Birchall Blackburn Law where she was a partner and held a number of senior leadership roles.
The firm said: “Tammy brings a wealth of expertise in team leadership, operational management and strategic development. Her appointment further strengthens our residential offering and reflects our continued investment in experienced leadership.”
Sarah Easton has been named head of the real estate department at Tunbridge Wells law firm, Thomson Snell & Passmore. She has been at the firm since 2010 and will replace Richard Ellard who has held the role since 2014 and will step up to become senior partner from June.
Ellard said: “I am excited about what the future holds and look forward to leading the firm into the next phase of its growth.”
Meanwhile, Cheltenham conveyancing firm Montpellier Legal is expanding with the opening of a new office in central London.
The firm’s new premises, in Berkley Square, will “serve its clients and increasing demand in London and the surrounding areas” as well as supporting its “ambitions plans for further growth and expansion”.
Simon Thomas, chief executive, Montpellier Legal, said: “Opening our central London branch is an important and exciting step in our growth strategy. London is a key market for legal services, and having a dedicated, full-time team based in the capital allows us to strengthen relationships with clients, respond quickly to their needs, and support the increasing demand we’re seeing across our practice areas. This expansion reflects the confidence we have in our team, our clients and the long-term future of Montpellier Legal.”
Elsewhere Fisher Jones Greenwood has announced the appointment of solicitor Sasha Coburn to the legal forum of the Equity Release Council. Coburn joined Fisher Jones Greenwood in June 2024 and has since focused on developing the firm’s equity release services, working closely with mortgage brokers and financial advisers.
“Equity release decisions are often closely linked with wider planning for later life, including wills and estate planning,” said Sasha.
“Being able to offer that advice in-house with our private client team means we can take a more holistic approach and ensure clients understand how equity release fits within their overall plans.
“I came to Fisher Jones Greenwood with a vision to expand our work in equity release as the demand continues to grow in an ever-increasing market,” she added. “For me personally, this Equity Release Council appointment validates the work that I’ve been doing since joining the firm and the effort we’ve put into establishing our presence in this area.”
Former Purplebricks, Yopa and Simply Conveyancing senior executive Jessica Draganescu has joined Taylor Rose with the responsibility for driving new business growth, strengthening strategic partnerships and supporting the firm’s continued diversification of its client offering. In her new role, Jessica will lead the firm’s new business and growth strategy, including developing introducer relationships, unlocking new commercial opportunities and ensuring closer alignment between business development, marketing and operational delivery.
