Operating in Liverpool and Manchester, Bermans has created two new partners and four senior associates with two starting out as trainees with the law firm. Tony McDonough reports
Law firm Bermans has promoted six members of its team to more senior roles.
Bermans, which operates out of Liverpool and Manchester, has promoted Andrew Henderson and Mike Smeaton to partner and Alissa Marsh, Gareth Farrelly, David Keenan and Melanie Morris become senior associates.
Mr Henderson joined Bermans in 1985 and has developed an expertise in asset finance litigation. He joins Alex Chapman, David Gledhill and Jonathan Berkson as partners in the specialist asset-based lending team.
He deals with matters such as fraud, freezing orders, title claims, delivery up claims, guarantee/indemnity claims, shortfalls and general debt recovery for a wide range of asset-based lenders.
Completing the journey from trainee solicitor, Mike Smeaton becomes a partner in the litigation and dispute Resolution team. He joined Bermans in 2008 and specialises in shareholder and partnership matters, warranty and covenant claims, property litigation and complex, high-value contractual disputes.
He has recently developed a legal ‘health check’ that allows business owners to identify the aspects of their business that may need attention, especially with the pressures brought by COVID-19.
Ms Marsh becomes a senior associate in the in the asset-based lending team and Gareth Farrelly and David Keenan in the growing specialist sports team. Alissa joined the asset-based lending team in January 2017. Since joining, she has specialised in invoice finance, asset finance and general corporate finance. Alissa has also assisted the firm’s asset based lending clients in navigating the pandemic; providing support for CBILS facilities and advising on forbearance considerations.
Ms Morris joined Bermans as a trainee in in 2015 and qualified as a solicitor in 2017 into the property department. During this time she has developed her own client base and has become an integral member of the team.
She deals with a wide range of property matters, including all types of property finance, commercial property acquisitions and sales, residential and commercial developments and acquisitions and redevelopment of buy-to-let properties.
Bermans senior partner, Fergal O’Cleirigh, said “We have always prided ourselves on our staff retention record. We look to provide our young lawyers with clear career paths and opportunities for advancement as demonstrated by the achievements of Mike and Melanie.
“Andrew is a stalwart of our business and we are delighted to recognise his commitment and loyalty. Alissa has been with us since 2017 and has made an important contribution in the niche asset/invoice finance teams which have been specialisms since the 1980s.
“Although Gareth and David have both only relatively recently joined the business, they fit in well to our culture and ethos and they will look to build their team in 2021 and beyond.”