Fledgling law firm builds real estate team

Commercial law firm Freeman Fisher has recruited Krista Powell as a partner to head its new real estate department.

Powell's arrival from Addleshaw Goddard marks the latest phase of expansion for Freeman Fisher, which has offices in Manchester and Leeds.

The firm was founded last year by Alex Megaw, a former managing partner at Davies Arnold Cooper's Manchester office, and Gary Black, previously a partner at Berg Legal and legal director at investment group CorpAcq.

The firm now has five lawyers plus support staff. Powell will start to recruit her property team shortly.

Powell has specialised in commercial property law since qualifying in 2002. She worked at DLA Piper, Halliwells and spent nine years at Halliwells, later Gateley, before a brief spell at Addleshaw Goddard in 2013.

Over the years she has acted for leading banks and financial institutions, developers and some of the UK's largest property investors and fund managers, advising on acquisitions, disposals, development, real estate finance, landlord and tenant matters and portfolio management.

Powell is based at Freeman Fisher's offices in Hardman Square, Spinningfields.

Alex Megaw said: "Krista is a key appointment for Freeman Fisher in our strategy to develop a strong commercial brand. She comes to us with an excellent pedigree in commercial property.

"Her remit is to develop a first-class team offering services to the commercial property sector as it emerges from the effects of the recession, and we have no doubt she will prove a great success."

Last month, Freeman Fisher expanded its offering with the launch of a dental and healthcare division led by Jonathan Jacobs.

Along with real estate and dental and healthcare work, Freeman Fisher provides advice on commercial litigation, insolvency, corporate and commercial, employment and sports, media and entertainment matters.