Berkshire- and Swindon-based law firm Gardner Leader has announced the appointments of three new solicitors, bringing more than 60 years’ worth of collective experience to the firm.
Joining Gardner Leader’s 200-strong team, the firm’s latest additions include James Fox (pictured left) as a partner in the business team, Mark Izquierdo (centre) as partner in the real estate team, and Stephanie Scullion (right) as an associate in Gardner Leader’s wills, probate and estate planning team.
The latest round of hires marks a significant 12 months of growth for the firm, which has seen 32 new team members join, an increase of 16.5 per cent, including Vicky Schollar, the firm’s head of employment, at the beginning of the year, and partner, Lauren Blackman, who joined the residential property team in April.
James has over two decades of experience advising clients on small, medium and high-value commercial contracts and negotiations across a variety of sectors including government, technology, retail and general outsourcing.
He spent five years as in-house counsel at outsourcing firm Capita, focusing on contract restructuring and relationship management, and before joining Gardner Leader, was a senior solicitor at Dentons. James is active in advising in relation to the adoption and use of artificial intelligence.
Mark Izquierdo, who began his legal career in 1995, moves from Cooper Parry Law LLP. He has a wealth of knowledge and skills gained in Thames and Blackwater Valley law firms.
Mark’s core areas of expertise include land development (residential estates and commercial units), secured lending and asset management work (for investment portfolio landlords and tenant occupiers) and he works closely with owner-managed businesses on property transactions.
Joining from Clarke & Son Solicitors, Stephanie Scullion brings 10 years of legal experience to Gardner Leader’s WPEP team.
Stephanie specialises in a broad range of private client matters including drafting wills, lasting powers of attorney, probate, estate administration and general estate planning.
“Having spent more than two decades delivering commercial guidance to clients across the business sector, I’m extremely excited to bring my expertise to Gardner Leader,” said James.
“The firm has an outstanding reputation in its fields which is backed up by the work of its brilliant team and successful expansion programme, and I’m looking forward to contributing to that and to our growing Oxford office under the leadership of partner Sally Addis.”
Mark said: “It’s a real pleasure to have joined Gardner Leader at such an exciting time for the firm.
“I’m driven and ready to support the continued growth of the award-winning real estate team.
“I’m passionate about meeting and working closely with all our clients and eager to complement and strengthen longstanding relationships with a wide regional network of well-respected contacts and introducers.”
Stephanie said: “Since joining Gardner Leader I’ve been really impressed with the knowledge amongst the team and attention to detail given to each case.
“I have enjoyed getting to know our clients, which is what makes my role so rewarding. I look forward to building on these relationships and I can’t wait to see what the firm can achieve in the coming months and years.”
Gardner Leader has been at the heart of the Thames Valley community for over 125 years, with offices in Newbury, Thatcham and Maidenhead.
The firm has tripled in size over the last 10 years, expanding across the South of England, with offices in London, Windsor, Swindon and Oxford.
Derek Rodgers, managing partner, added: “We’re delighted to have James, Mark and Stephanie join the team. It’s been a brilliant final quarter for us, with award wins, industry recognition, and the team’s growth all showing that we are on the right path.
“As a firm we are committed to delivering peace of mind to all our clients and James, Mark and Stephanie’s appointments will play a key role in helping us to deliver on this goal.”