Norfolk law firm Leathes Prior is aiming to challenge the major players in the corporate market with the recruitment of two new lawyers. Peter Sheppard, formerly the practice development partner at Norfolk law firm Hayes & Storr, is joining Leathes Prior as a partner in the corporate team.

His appointment brings to Leathes Prior a number of major clients including the Norwich and London- based corporate events and marketing company The Russell Organisation (TRO), King's Lynn-based book-binder and printer Biddles and built-to-order conservatories business Marston & Langinger, which has its manufacturing site in Norfolk.

At the same time Leathes Prior has recruited Paula Lawn from Fakenham firm Butcher Andrews as an assistant solicitor in its employment team, which is headed by partner Dan Chapman.

The appointments follow the recruitment of Richard Guthrie as a corporate assistant last September and the opening of new offices in Tombland for the team last summer.

Last night Leathes Prior, which now has 70 staff and 12 partners, hosted a champagne reception at its offices to celebrate the expansion of the corporate team.

Leathes Prior head of corporate Paul Warman said he was delighted the corporate team had grown so rapidly following the move to new offices.

He said: “For many years, possibly due to the dominance of Mills & Reeve and Eversheds in the local market, it has proved difficult to expand the team, but in the last 12 months the department has seen a 35pc increase in turnover and the corporate and commercial teams now consist of five partners and three assistants - probably the second largest team in Norwich.

“We are confident that this added depth will assist us in continuing to attract new clients and in further improving the service we give to existing clients.”

Mr Sheppard has practised in Norfolk for the past 20 years, and has built up a considerable commercial client following in the county and further afield.

As well as TRO, Biddles and Marston & Langinger, Mr Sheppard also acts for US-based Nes International Inc, a £65m firm involved in the private health sector which has a number of UK companies providing medical staff to BUPA, Nuffield and BMI hospitals.

He said: “I'm delighted to be joining Leithes Prior, and feel sure that the greater resources of the firm will enable me to provide an even better service to my clients.”

Article written and kindly reproduced with permission by Chris Starkie, EDP Business Editor. Click here to view the EDP business Site.