Three more lateral hires from rival Bristol firms have joined regional law firm Ashfords’ office in the city as it continues its strong growth.
Derek Moore joins the social housing team as a legal director from TLT, while Michael Duncan arrives from Womble Bond Dickinson to become a member of the property litigation team, and Osborne Clarke senior associate James Blackwell is appointed to the planning team. 
The trio are the latest in a series of lateral hires at Ashfords’ Bristol office, which now employs more than 80 people.
Derek Moore, who worked at TLT for 29 years, brings a wealth of experience to Ashfords in advising registered providers and charitable organisations on property matters including site acquisition, development and regeneration. He has advised on the management of these sites including sales, tenancies and leases, shared ownership and is an expert in property-related VAT issues and complex property transactions.
Michael Duncan, who has also worked at DAC Beachcroft, is an experienced property litigation lawyer advising clients on all aspects of commercial property litigation. He is a member of the Property Litigation Association and sits on the junior committee.
James Blackwell advises on all areas of planning law, but has particular expertise in residential and mixed-use development, retail planning and renewable energy projects.
Ashfords partner and head of its Bristol office, Chris Dyson, said: “We’re delighted to welcome three more highly experienced lawyers to the Bristol office as we continue our strategic growth plan, with a focus on attracting and retaining top talent in key sectors.”
James Blackwell added: “Ashfords’ evolution and growth in recent years has been truly impressive – and I’m excited to contribute to its continued momentum and success.”
Michael Duncan said that Ashfords was clearly going from strength to strength. “The decision to join was an easy one and I look forward to assisting with the further development of its already well-established property litigation offering,” he said.
The firm employs around 500 people across its offices in Exeter, London, Bristol, Taunton, Tiverton and Plymouth.
