London law firm to launch new Leeds city centre office

Devonshires, the London-based law firm, is expanding into the north with the launch of a new Leeds office.

Chris Drabble, legal director at Addleshaw Goddard, has been appointed to head the new office which opens in February 2017.

Chris will join Devonshires as a partner bringing 20 years’ property experience to the team.

Ranked as a tier one lawyer in the Legal 500 2016 Guide and also ranked in Chambers 2016, he has spent the last 16 years at Addleshaws and currently leads the firm’s housing finance property practice.

His expertise includes advising funders on security related transactions in the social and affordable housing sector such as loan financings and large-scale voluntary transfers.

Sharon Kirkham, partner at Devonshires and head of its securitisation team, said: “It’s a really exciting time for Devonshires as we prepare to extend our geographic reach and open our first regional office in Leeds.

“Chris has a leading reputation in the social housing sector and is widely considered to be its pre-eminent funders’ adviser, specialising in all aspects of housing finance property work, so is the ideal candidate to lead and grow our new team.

“We already act for a number of registered providers (RPs) in the north, but his extensive knowledge and experience will create new opportunities for the firm across the region and significantly expand our client base. His contacts and expertise will also ensure that we can service our existing clients more effectively.

“Chris’ knowledge of the sector and, in particular, his role as a funders’ adviser on property work, will be invaluable going forward with his dual role acting for RPs and funders.”

Chris added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to join a firm which is renowned for its social housing finance work and dominates the sector.

“Having worked in Leeds for nine years, I’m looking forward to working with Devonshires to develop the firm’s service offering across the region to both funders and RPs.”

Chris will join the Devonshire’s team in mid-February to coincide with the opening of the new office, which is located in Park House, Park Square, Leeds.

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