Buckles, the nationally recognised law firm, is marking a significant step in its growth strategy by relocating to a new London office and appointing five new recruits to this larger office.
The firm’s new London home at 34-36 Gray’s Inn Road, will open its doors in August. The move reflects Buckles’ continued expansion in the capital and its ambition to build a stronger presence within London’s legal community and among its international client base.
Joining the London team are Meena Gupta as Partner in Property Litigation, Peter Paschalis as Partner in Commercial Property, Rachael Brown as Senior Associate in Corporate & Commercial, Jason Pradhan as Associate in Dispute Resolution and Employment, and Madeleine Carin as Paralegal in the International team.
Gupta, a member of the Property Litigation Association, brings more than 25 years’ experience advising commercial clients on a wide range of issues, including shareholder disputes, unfair prejudice, directors’ disqualification, tax avoidance schemes and breaches of contract. Her recent work has focused on property disputes, acting for private developers, housing associations and corporate clients in the High Court and County Court.
Paschalis specialises in commercial real estate matters, bringing experience across the hotel and leisure, office, industrial, retail and residential sectors. His clients have included leading London developers, high street restaurant and pub operators, shopping centre owners, national retailers and a range of high-profile individuals and organisations.
Brown joins the Corporate & Commercial team, bringing over 25 years’ experience advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate restructuring, management buyouts, equity financing and corporate agreements, with a reputation for developing strong working relationships with advisors, suppliers and clients alike.
Pradhan joins as Associate in Dispute Resolution, with a particular focus on employment and commercial disputes, advising businesses and individuals on matters ranging from contract drafting and grievance management to covenant enforcement and tribunal, court and mediation representation, with a clear and commercially focused approach.
Carin joins as a Paralegal in the International team, supporting the firm’s French team in advising clients on cross-border matters, particularly French property and inheritance law, helping clients navigate the differences between the French and English legal systems.
Duncan Jackson, CEO of Buckles Law, said: “London has always been a significant part of our ambitions for the firm and the move to this new office gives us the space and platform to build on our recent gains in the capital.
“Bringing in four people of this calibre in a short space of time tells you where our focus is, with growth in particular in our corporate and dispute work. We continue to invest in the expertise our clients need, in the sectors and teams where we see the greatest opportunity for growth.
“We have the right blend of experience and youthful enthusiasm to deliver the best outcomes for our clients across the UK and beyond, offering advice across a broad range of legal services to individuals, families and businesses.”
