Switalskis has welcomed experienced solicitor Mark Blackburn and trainee Emily Chan to its commercial property team as part of its growth drive.

Mark Blackburn brings over seven years’ property industry experience to the position. His role involves providing legal advice on sales, acquisitions and commercial property leases to the owners, landlords, lenders, and tenants of commercial property. Mark will work with regional and national clients across a range of sectors including retail, office, industrial and leisure.

Says Mark, “I am excited to be joining the business at this time as it further expands and develops its team. Switalskis has a strong reputation, a quality team and I also see opportunities for further professional development, which is appealing to me. I look forward to growing my case load and working with a range of clients to answer their legal needs.”

Further strengthening the team, Emily Chan has been appointed as trainee within the department, taking the total headcount to six. Emily will provide support to the team whilst developing skills and knowledge in areas of business, as well as law, to allow her to work towards progressing a career as a solicitor.

Recognising existing talent within the team, Switalskis has promoted Ryan Dhinsa to associate solicitor. Ryan joined Switalskis’ commercial property team in March 22 and has gone on to develop his role with support through Switalskis’ Career Development Programme.

Property lawyer and commercial property department head Claire Murphy was appointed in February 2022 charged with developing the firm’s commercial property department. Claire says, “Our recent appointments and Ryan’s promotion are a clear sign of our department growing stronger and building upon its current success. Mark and Emily will assist the department as it grows, increasing our capacity to take on further complex projects. Ryan’s promotion reflects his ambition and drive as well as his commitment to the business and to providing high levels of service for clients.”