One of the North East’s longest established law firms has strengthened its property specialism with its latest appointment.

Phil Dean has joined Newcastle-based Samuel Phillips Law as head of commercial property, bringing with him more than 20 years of legal expertise in the commercial property sector, acting for blue chip clients across the North of England and beyond.

Sharon Boyd, chief executive at Samuel Phillips, said: “Phil has a very impressive track record, is very well regarded in the North-East and beyond, and will be able to hit the ground running, which is great news for existing and new clients.

“This is our hundredth year in Newcastle, and we aim to strengthen the position of Samuel Phillips Law as a recognised expert in each of its established areas, from property to probate, dispute resolution to family law and more.

“Phil’s appointment marks another step forward for us in one of our key growth areas.”

Phil first worked as a commercial property solicitor for Gordons in Yorkshire before moving to the North-East and working with Ward Hadaway and Mincoff Jacksons.

He then established PG Legal in 2011, which specialises in commercial property work.