Law firm Jackson Lees has made two additions to its Liverpool team with accountants BDO and property firm CBRE also unveiling new hires

Liverpool law firm Jackson Lees has expanded its wills, trusts and probate team with the appointment of two solicitors, Rafael Donovan and Barry McDonough.

Barry was appointed as team head and solicitor following six years at Hill Dickinson. He specialises in dealing with wills, trusts, estates and succession planning for high net worth individuals.

After graduating from the University of Liverpool with a Bachelor of Laws degree, Barry became a paralegal in personal injury. He then continued his studies, obtaining a Master’s in business finance and law and switched to wills, trusts and probate.

Rafael has been appointed following two-and-a-half years at MSB Solicitors. While there he dealt with wills, trusts, probate and powers of attorney. A University of Liverpool graduate, he has previously worked as a mental health support worker. He spent four years at Morecrofts Solicitors.

Esther Leach, managing director at the Jackson Lees Group, said: “We’re thrilled to be expanding such an important focus area for us as we look to bolster our wills, trusts and probate offering. Barry and Rafael have both hit the ground running and we’re very pleased to see them getting stuck in.”

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CBRE has bolstered its UK development and residential team in the North West with the appointment of Claire Robinson. She joins as associate director to strengthen the team within the Liverpool and North West market.

Claire will cover the northern region from her base in the Liverpool office. Joining from Avison Young. Claire is a well-known professional with more than 15 years’ experience in the North West property market.

She  has acted on behalf of both public and private sector clients providing agency and development consultancy advice. Recent clients have included Homes England, Burton Foods, Aldi, MOD, NHS, Miller Homes, RSPCA Liverpool Branch, as well as Wigan Council and Liverpool City Council.

Kieran McLaughlin, senior director, CBRE’s UK development and residential team, said: “I am delighted to bring somebody of Claire’s calibre in to grow the team.

“She has a fantastic reputation within the Liverpool market, working on some high-profile projects. Her breadth of experience and expertise in the sector will further enhance our capability across the north of England.”

Claire added: “I look forward to supporting Kieran to strengthen and grow the team in the North West. There are exciting opportunities within the residential sector and I am keen to explore these.”

Accountancy firm BDO has strengthened its customs, excise and international tax team with the appointment of Stephen English as director. He will be responsible for helping clients with the full range of customs and international trade issues.

Stephen spent 10 years at HMRC where he was a senior officer and regional manager in the CITEX and large business directorates. Hehas worked on more than 150 Brexit and supply chain projects for businesses.

“I anticipate further changes for all importers and exporters, particularly with planned system changes as HMRC moves from the CHIEF to CDS system,” said Stephen. “Together, these will present additional challenges to businesses, as they continue to acclimatise to life outside of the single market.”