National law firm Clarke Willmott, which has an office in Bristol, has been added to the panel of legal advisors for Somerset-headquartered global footwear manufacturer and retailer Clarks.
The firm is one of two that will now support Clarks with legal property matters relating to its retail portfolio across England and Wales
Clarks was founded in 1825 by brothers Cyrus and James Clark in Street. Today it sells more than 40m pairs of shoes a year and has 1,150 branded stores and franchises in 80 countries around the world.
Bristol-based Clarke Willmott commercial property partner Amanda French, pictured, who is also head of its retail and leisure sector, said the appointment was proof of the firm’s high standing in the sector.
“Our experience in the retail and leisure sector, acting for brands such as Lidl and Burger King for more than 15 years, means we understand the challenges and pressures businesses in this sector face,” she added.
“We are also delighted with the symmetry between ourselves and Clarks. Like them, we were founded in Somerset, just a few years later in 1888, and continue to have an office there today.”
Clarke Willmott commercial property partner Andrea Livingstone, who recently joined the firm and will lead on the Clarks relationship, said she was delighted to be able to continue her 10-year relationship with Clarks.
“The Clarke Willmott commercial property team has an excellent reputation and a fantastic client base, and I am thrilled to be able to carry on supporting Clarks in managing its property portfolio alongside members of this team,” she added.
In recent months, Clarke Willmott’s commercial property team has worked with clients including Cornish Bakery, Fat Face, Turtle Bay and Farrow & Ball.
Clarke Willmott also has offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.
