Legal 500 - BHP Law in focus

Regional legal firm BHP Law has enjoyed a strong performance this year thanks to the innovative way in which it has expanded and diversified into exciting new areas.

 

With a vast range of services and considerable scope in its expertise, BHP Law has always reached far beyond other firms of its size.

 

The development of its specialists, who have a regional reputation for their knowledge and capability, and steps it has taken to become leaner and more efficient have reaped rewards both for clients and the firm. 

 

While its long established legal services have continued, the practice has developed its less traditional, non-legal services and moved into new areas where it is already building a strong reputation.

 

Company lawyers Elaine McLaine and David Lucas have worked with a number of academy conversions as schools seek to become independent of their local authority but want an approachable, local firm advising them.

 

The BHP team worked with the Diocese of Durham on the first Church of England primary conversion; on the first small rural primary in North Yorkshire; and with the first secondary school in south west Durham to convert.

In another new area of expertise, Philip Wills, former in-house legal advisor to the Diocese of Durham, has added ecclesiastical law to the firm’s services.

 

BHP Sport, the firm’s professional sports management and representation division, has welcomed three well known names in North East football as sports consultants.

 

Former England player and Middlesbrough and Bolton manager Colin Todd, former Boro player Gary Gill and ex Sunderland player Gary Bennett are working with young talent both nationally and locally offering players and parents their extensive insider knowledge of football. 

 

BHP Sport also saw the firm’s managing partner John Pratt become a registered lawyer with The Football Association to represent the firm’s increasing portfolio of football players and clubs.

 

Company Law and Commercial and Agricultural Property were two areas in which BHP continued to excel.

 

High profile clients include Evolution LLP, for whom the firm acted on its acquisition of the North East business of Vantis plc, and car parts manufacturer Nifco UK, which BHP advised on its land purchase, construction and development agreements and grant funding for a new £8.5m factory in Stockton.

 

Senior Partner, Peter Blackett continues to advise BHP’s longstanding agricultural clients in respect of land and farm building developments,and advised on the acquisition of a farm with two other landowners for £3m.

 

Company lawyer Gary Copeland drafted energy-related contracts for Scottish Power and following the acquisition of Eaga plc by Carillion plc, BHP continue to provide advice to the newly named Carillion Energy Services.  

 

The year was not all about commercial success for the regional firm and as a long-term supporter of community organisations and sport in the region BHP launched a grassroots endowment fund for good causes in partnership with County Durham Community Foundation with the first grants awarded in 2011.