Legal 500 results demonstrate Watson Burton’s strength Watson Burton has increased its number of recommended lawyers in the Legal 500. In total 19 of Watson Burton’s lawyers were recommended across all of its practice. Altitude Angel promises to revolutionise air traffic management for drones.
Air traffic management platform takes off A revolutionary platform which will provide air traffic control and automation services for drones in all airspace across the world launched at the end of 2015, thanks to a six-figure funding boost by North East investors. The brainchild of innovator and entrepreneur Richard Parker, Altitude Angel or, The Internet of Flying Things™ will effectively solve the problem facing global governments which air traffic services and even NASA have been working to find a solution to in recent years. The £210,000 seed funding round was facilitated by corporate associate Paul Wigham. He said: “It’s clear that drones are rapidly becoming part of our future, so we were very pleased to be involved in this high-profile, innovative project. Months ago Richard began working on a solution to a problem which many people didn’t know would ever exist. His foresight means that this traffic management system can be implemented just as drones are starting to become more popular, ensuring that their usage is controlled and remains safe.”
Watson Burton named as second most active legal advisors Watson Burton was ranked as the second most active legal advisor in the North East during 2015 in a report issued by Experian. A total of 16 deals were recorded for the firm. Ward Hadaway was third with 13 deals, and Square One Law was fourth with nine deals. A total of 181 transactions were recorded in the region, representing a 21 per cent upturn over 2014’s total of 150 transactions.
Head of corporate Duncan Reid was named as one of the top 50 leading lawyers in the north. Three practice areas – Insurance, Property Litigation and Debt Recovery – maintained Tier 1 status, whilst the Employment team moved up from Tier 3 to Tier 2. The firm’s litigation department was recognised as being “deeply knowledgeable and technically proficient, bringing commercial sensibility where appropriate”. Construction partners Sarah Wilson and David Spires were both recommended for their broad expertise, spanning both contentious and non-contentious issues, whilst the practice area was described as “fantastic to deal with”. The corporate and commercial team was recognised for its solid track record in the technology and leisure sectors, with partner Andrew Francey recommended.
Bal Manak – recently promoted to associate.
Bal Manak promoted to associate One of Watson Burton’s talented lawyers has been promoted from solicitor to associate. Bal Manak, part of the firm’s construction team, has worked at Watson Burton for more than three years after joining from Sintons LLP. She said: “Watson Burton’s construction department is one of the most successful in the north – it’s a great team to be part of. I am delighted to have been offered a promotion which I feel will further strengthen the firm’s non-contentious offering.” Bal will work closely with the contentious team to ensure that clients are provided with a fully comprehensive service to deal with projects from inception to completion, and thereafter deal with any disputes that may arise. Sarah Wilson, construction partner at Watson Burton, said: “As a firm we take great pride in recognising the hard work of our staff and investing in their professional development. Bal’s promotion is well-deserved, and we look forward to the added benefit her promotion will bring to our service offering.” NEWS
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