connect

Connecting North West business to relevant training, insight, conversation and each other

Partner promotion and a spate of new hires at North West law firm Napthens

Leading North West commercial law firm Napthens has promoted experienced corporate lawyer and legal director David Carr to partner at its growing Liverpool office.

Joining the firm as a senior associate in 2016, David regularly advises local and national clients on a range of corporate work, including acquisitions and disposals, reorganisations, private equity and joint ventures. David played a leading role on the sale of fire detection and security technology specialist Protec Fire and Security Group to Bosch Building Technologies, which won ‘Deal of the Year (£50m+)’ at the recent North West Dealmakers Awards, and most recently a seven-figure equity investment by Liverpool-based fund River Capital into fitness brand Built For Athletes.

The news comes amidst a period of rapid growth at the firm, which has added 34 people to its ranks since June 2022. Six join David at the Liverpool office – Head of Liverpool office and corporate partner Kieran Donovan, property litigation senior associate Jennifer Rogers, litigation solicitor Anna Abell, conveyancing solicitor Gareth Jones, employment trainee solicitor Megan Parker and corporate legal assistant Mike Hulme.

Napthens’ conveyancing department saw the largest influx with ten new additions, employment and corporate both welcomed three members of the team, whilst commercial property and wills & estate planning each made two new hires. Meanwhile, the facilities, family and litigation teams made one hire each.

Based in the North West with six offices across the region (Preston, Liverpool, Blackburn, Kendal, Southport and the Fylde Coast), Napthens was recently awarded ‘Mid-Size Law Firm of the Year’ at the North West Dealmakers Awards. It has also been ranked #1 most active legal adviser for M&A transactions in the North West for H1 2022 by Experian Market IQ.

Kieran Donovan, partner and head of Napthens’ Liverpool office, said: “This year has been one of the most exciting periods of growth at Napthens. We’ve been delivering outstanding results for our clients and this is reflected in how quickly our teams are expanding to meet the high demand we’re receiving for our services. David’s promotion comes at a pivotal time for our Liverpool office, where we will be providing crucial advice and support to our clients as we enter a period of economic uncertainty. I’m proud to lead the team across the Liverpool city region and it’s great to end this year on a high.”

David Carr, partner at Napthens, said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the past six years at Napthens working alongside Gareth McIntegart and now Kieran, and have seen both our corporate department and the Liverpool office grow considerably in that time. We’ve had back-to-back record years in terms of dealmaking, and we have grown our Liverpool office since its establishment by Gareth in 2018 to a flourishing team of 20 lawyers across a variety of disciplines. It’s something we’re all proud to have played a part in and I’m looking forward to adding to that story in my role as a partner, as we continue building relationships and providing a quality service to our clients and connections in the North West and beyond.”

Partner Promotion