Dickinsons ramps up commercial

Offshore law firm, Isle of Man-based Dickinson Cruickshank, has added seven lawyers to its commercial team, including partners from Richards Butler and Scottish firm Thorntons.

John Melia has joined from Richards Butler Hong Kong, where he was a partner. He advises on a wide range of corporate issues, including M&A, private equity, IPOs and restructuring.

Nick Verardi, joint head of the commercial department, said: "We've seen considerable growth in the past two to three years in the commercial marketplace and believe that we've responded according to the needs of our clients."

Former Thorntons partner Claire Milne now heads Dickinsons' IP/IT team.

Five more lawyers have also joined Dickinsons' commercial team, including solicitors from Cassels Brock and Blackwell in Toronto, Cobbetts, Canadian firm Miller Thompson and Olswang, as well as a newly qualified advocate.