CAPITAL COUP AS JCP STRENGTHEN COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TEAM

09|05|08

John Collins and Partners Solicitors has boosted its commercial property offering with the appointment of Clive Garrett-Evans as Partner in the department.

Mr. Garrett-Evans, previously of Cardiff law firm Eversheds, is a major coup for JCP, and his entry into the firm at Partner level is a reflection the quality of work he is known for in his field.

Steve Penny, Managing Partner at JCP, said:

"We are delighted to welcome Clive to the team at JCP, a solicitor of his stature is a major boost to our already buoyant commercial property department. In addition to his formidable reputation as a commercial property specialist, Clive is a well-known figure in the legal industry who is respected and well-liked amongst his peers. I am looking forward to working alongside him at JCP, and I’m sure the team will benefit from the depth of his experience."

Mr. Garrett-Evans has significant experience in advising organisations in commercial development and regeneration products, and has advised the Welsh Assembly Government on developments in Swansea’s SA1 district. He also has experience in advising lending institutions and banks on high value transactions as a part of a dedicated secured finance team.

Before taking a legal career path, Mr. Garrett-Evans worked in business, running organisations in both Wales and Africa. He said:

"I am lucky in that my years in business have given me a certain empathy with clients on the other side of the desk. I understand the need for clients to receive prompt, cost effective, commercial advice, bringing swift solutions to their commercial problems - there is nothing more frustrating than a solicitor who does not communicate with their client.

"JCP has an established legal standing but also a reputation for being reliable and open, and this was very important to me. I hope I can use my experience to help build the commercial property department into Wales’ most successful"

A former rugby player and keen supporter of the sport at all levels, Mr. Garrett-Evans enjoys being part of both the South Wales business and sporting community. He has advised businesses on all aspects of commercial property including acquisitions and disposals of industrial, office and retail premises and on commercial landlord and tenant issues. He continued:

"Having worked and advised in the cities of Cardiff, Newport and now Swansea I believe South West Wales is a sound economic region that holds all of the necessary economic qualities to ensure sustainable growth for the foreseeable future.  Swansea and the West are seeing remarkable economic changes and the development taking place in the city can only improve the good fortune we have witnessed in recent years."