Bevan Brittan bolsters Leeds office with ex-heads of local government at rivals

September 28, 2015

Bevan Brittan has secured a major boost for its new Leeds office with the hire of two partners who have been heads of local government at rival firms.

Judith Barnes will join from DAC Beachcroft, while Frances Woodhead moves from Eversheds.

Bevan Brittan announced the launch of its Leeds office earlier this month with the recruitment of Michael Boyd, a healthcare specialist, and Julie Cowan-Clark, a property lawyer with particular experience of advising housing associations. Both were former DWF lawyers.

Bevan Brittan said a further three partners would be joining the office as part of the launch.

Commenting on the hires, Bevan Brittan senior partner Bethan Evans said: “We are delighted that partners of the calibre of Judith and Frances are joining the firm. As part of our new team in Leeds, they will enable us to provide our local government clients with a service that will be second to none.

“Recognised leaders in their field, Judith and Frances have extensive experience and in-depth expertise in advising local authorities and public bodies on the challenges and opportunities before them today – from governance issues through to devolved powers, greater commercialisation, and strategic partnerships.”

Judith Barnes spent three years at DAC Beachcroft, which she joined from Eversheds. Prior to her 13 years at Eversheds, she had been Head of Legal Services at the London Borough of Lewisham and Borough Secretary and Solicitor at Greenwich Council.

Barnes said: “The new Leeds office is a very exciting prospect, with a real critical mass. The firm has assembled a really strong offering to provide a truly client-focused service.”

Frances Woodhead was Director of Legal Services at Sheffield City Council, before joining Eversheds in 2010.

She said: “Bevan Brittan is a recognised and respected leader in its field. The new office provides a great platform for service delivery in the North, and the team that is being created has been very carefully thought through.”