Bevan Ashford lures partner from the City

Bristol-based Bevan Ashford is expanding its commercial litigation practice with the appointment of a new partner, Robin Neill, from Stephenson Harwood.

Neill cites lifestyle reasons as being his main motivation for the move, and says: "I wanted to move down [to Bristol] because my family is here."

However, opting out of the City was also a strategic move for Neill, who has more than 20 years of experience in commercial litigation.

He says: "If you're moving around the City firms, when a client asks, 'What's in it for me?', the best you might be able to offer is a 5 per cent discount. In this part of the country you can offer a whole lot more, because you're basically undercutting the market."

He adds: "Bevan Ashford has shaken off its past image and taken on some big names prior to my arrival."