National legal and professional services business Knights has hired three partners and a senior associate in its Bristol office just five months after arriving in the city through its acquisition of long-established independent law firm Meade King.
Among the new joiners is Marti Burgess, who is well known in Bristol as chair of St Pauls Carnival CIC and the Black South West Network and for owning, with her family, the city’s iconic Lakota nightclub. 
Since snapping up Meade King in January, Knights has developed a full service offering in Bristol across corporate, real estate and dispute resolution law, including one of the UK’s largest specialist healthcare corporate teams.
Marti and new senior associate Ben Harris – who have both joined from the Bristol office of national law firm Bevan Brittan – are now part of Knights’ corporate team, while Caroline Nemecek has become a partner in its residential property department. David Morris has become construction partner.
Marti, who previously worked for Bristol law firm Gregg Latchams (now Shakespeare Martineau), has more than 20 years’ experience of working with small and medium-sized businesses.
She said: “It feels like a great time to join Knights. The business is growing here in Bristol and adding new offices across the country. That will bring huge opportunities for our clients.”
Ben Harris also previously worked for Gregg Latchams.
Construction partner David Morris, who previously worked at Shakespeare Martineau, brings significant experience and a well-established local network to his new role.
He said: “I’m really excited for the next stage of my career at Knights. Bristol is a fantastic market which suits Knights’ approach and enables us all to do more for our clients. I can’t wait to get going.”
Caroline, who has joined from Lodders Solicitors in Cheltenham, specialises in high-value property transactions, working alongside property and agricultural clients to provide a bespoke, personal service.
Knights’ Bristol office now has 29 professionals, including nine partners.
Client services director James Christacos said the firm expected to attract more quality local talent as the firm prepares for further growth.
“When we entered the market in Bristol we committed to growing the business by hiring exceptional local talent,” he said.
“It’s great to see that taking shape, as we get started. We’re investing right across the business and there are more talented new hires set to join us in Bristol in the next few months.”
Knights is one of the UK’s fastest-growing professional services businesses with 26 offices. Its acquisition of Meade King, which could trace its origins to 1790, was its 21st in total and 19th since its listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2018.
Pictured, from left: New joiners Ben Harris, Marti Burgess and David Morris with Client services director James Christacos
