Reading: Law firm Blandy & Blandy announces four promotions

Reading law firm Blandy & Blandy LLP has announced four promotions, with Victoria Charlesson, Gemma Smith and Chris Wilson becoming associate solicitors and Jessica Irwin a senior associate solicitor.

Victoria Charlesson is a member of the firm’s planning & environmental law team, ranked among the best in the country, and qualified as a solicitor in 2013 having also trained at the firm. She advises on a variety of strategic planning projects spanning the Thames Valley and beyond and on all key areas of planning and environmental law.

Gemma Smith joined the firm’s commercial property team in 2014, having qualified as a solicitor in 2012. Her experience includes commercial landlord and tenant work, the acquisition and disposal of freehold properties and secured lending.

Chris Wilson also trained at the firm and qualified as a solicitor in the corporate team in 2012. He advises businesses and organisations on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters.

A member of the firm’s dispute resolution team, Jessica Irwin predominantly handles property-related disputes, dealing with both commercial and residential property matters, working closely with the firm’s property and planning teams.

She trained at the firm, before qualifying as a solicitor in 2000, and her experience and expertise have been recognised in both Chambers UK Guide and The Legal 500.

Chairman and partner Brenda Long congratulated the four: “It is always a pleasure to see our solicitors progressing within the firm, reflecting their profiles in the Thames Valley business community and their contribution to the firm. Indeed, three of those promoted trained at Blandy & Blandy, highlighting our longer term vision and ongoing commitment to investing in and developing our staff.”