Bevan Brittan recruits healthcare property partner to Leeds office

Law firm Bevan Brittan has strengthened the healthcare property practice in its Leeds office with the hire of James Atkins as a partner.

Joining from Capsticks, where he was an Associate, Atkins has considerable experience advising healthcare bodies including NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts, commissioners of NHS services, Department of Health owned property companies and private healthcare providers on all matters relating to their estates – including disposals, investments and new development projects. 

He has been particularly involved in advising bodies on investment and development of primary care premises (GP surgeries), including advising extensively on the rules relating to reimbursement of GP premises costs.  He has also helped a wide number of clients in the efficient disposal of surplus NHS estate.

Bevan Brittan opened in Leeds in September 2015 and now has eight partners in the office.

Atkins said: “I am delighted to have joined Bevan Brittan, who have a deservedly strong reputation in the healthcare sector.  I look forward to working closely with my clients, with the estate aspects of Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs) particularly top of my mind at the moment.  Estates will be an important component in STPs, whether that’s in terms of building new premises, re-purposing existing estate, or rationalising and disposing of unwanted facilities.  Healthcare property is set to be a busy area in the coming months and years and the NHS estate remains a critical enabler of high quality and timely patient care.”

Rob Harrison, head of healthcare property at Bevan Brittan, said: “I am very pleased that James has joined us, strengthening our healthcare property offering in the North and nationally.  He has undoubted expertise in his field and can help health organisations as they look to make their property portfolios work harder for them – essential in today’s climate.”

Duncan Weir, managing partner at Bevan Brittan, said: “James’ arrival demonstrates our commitment to continuing to invest in the Leeds office.  The office has had a real impact in the market and we intend to expand it further in the coming months.”