Browne Jacobson targets public sector growth with first office in South West

Browne Jacobson has targeted growth in the health, education and public sector after opening its first office in the South West.

The law firm has taken on a 25-strong legal and support team from Exeter firm Veitch Penny’s defendant insurance and employment practices.

The group includes Mark Fowles, Veitch Penny’s head of insurance, and partner Jo Pruden. It is best known for handling claims in areas such as employers’, public and local authority liability as well as occupational stress, education claims and claims against social services.

Clients include public bodies such as Devon County Council and the NHS Litigation Authority.

Iain Blatherwick, Managing Partner at Browne Jacobson, said: “Our Exeter office will give us a strong foothold in the South West and with our existing four office network allows us to offer truly national coverage for our clients.

“As well as focusing on our personal injury defendant practice our South West strategy focus over the next few years will be centred on generating growth within the health, education and public sector.”

Browne Jacobson has acquired the existing lease from Veitch Penny for 1 Manor Court in Exeter and will sub-let two floors back.

It is the second new office for Browne Jacobson in 2012, with the firm opening in Manchester in January.

Following the transfer of Veitch Penny staff, it will have 648 employees, including 81 partners and 256 other lawyers.