Three new legal directors have joined the Bristol office of South West law firm Foot Anstey as part of its growth strategy.
Christian Silk, Zahir Nayani and Joanne Boyle have arrived following the firm’s announcement last month of a new strategy to expand its core sectors from four to six.
Planning and environment lawyer Christian Silk, pictured right, makes the jump from Simmons and Simmons’ Bristol office where he spent five years, most recently as head of planning and environment.
He has also worked for Eversheds in Cardiff and Bristol-based TLT.
His arrival boosts Foot Anstey’s developer and energy sector credentials and opens further opportunities for the firm in advising on infrastructure projects.
Zahir Nayani, pictured left, rejoins Foot Anstey’s Islamic finance team after spending two years at Rosette Merchant Bank in London, where he was general counsel. During his previous five-year spell at Foot Anstey he was one of the first fee earners in its Bristol office and established its now award-winning Islamic finance practice. He trained with Veale Wasbrough Vizards in Bristol.
Zahir’s return widens Foot Anstey’s offering in a growing market, with Islamic banks and investors already among its largest clients. 
Joanne Boyle, pictured right, joins the firm’s employment practice from Womble Bond Dickinson in Bristol, where she rose from trainee to partner over 18 years. She specialises in business transformation projects including proposed restructures and cultural change programmes.
Foot Anstey partner Nathan Peacey said: “While the economic outlook remains uncertain it’s vital we continue to invest in talented lawyers.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Joanne, Zahir and Christian to the firm. Each will play an important role as we grow market share.”
Foot Anstey’s Bristol office, which opened nearly seven years ago with just 10 employees, now employs more than 160 staff.
