George and Andrew, both highly regarded practitioners, join DACB from Gateley PLC. There, George, who has a leading reputation in the fields of residential development, urban regeneration and urban extensions, sat on the firm's board and led the Northern residential development practice. George joins DACB's Real Estate team in Newcastle, bringing significant experience in acting for housebuilders on large scale residential developments, regeneration schemes and residential-led mixed use schemes.

Andrew, a commercial litigation partner, will join DACB's Commercial Dispute Resolution team in Leeds in the coming months. At Gateley Andrew has headed the national commercial dispute resolution unit and housebuilder dispute practice and acted as location head of the firm's Leeds office. Andrew is renowned for his experience in leading complex and high value commercial disputes, often focussed on dispute avoidance and/or strategic advice, and acting predominantly for housebuilders.

DACB's Head of Real Estate, Alison Key, said, "These appointments are important and strategic hires. George and Andrew bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will truly bolster the full-service capabilities we provide to our residential and housebuilder clients."

Suzanne Wharton, partner who leads DACB’s Professional & Commercial Risk North team, added, "Our growth strategy is focused on supporting the evolving needs of our clients through a comprehensive service, underpinned by unparalleled and genuine expertise. Together Andrew and George will be a formidable team, adding both strength and depth to our commercial disputes and our real estate offering."