Planning law expert, Oliver Martin, has joined law firm Irwin Mitchell as a partner in the planning team.

The former Shoosmiths’ partner is the latest recruit to join the growing Irwin Mitchell business and private client team at its Temple Street offices as it continues to increase the range of expert legal services on offer.

Fergal Dowling, partner and Head of Business Services in the Midlands, said:  “I am delighted that Oliver, a highly respected lawyer in his field, has joined Irwin Mitchell to further strengthen the excellent planning and property services we are able to offer to our business clients, nationally and regionally.

“He joins a number of other partners and teams we have recruited over the last year. These appointments continue to enhance not only Irwin Mitchell’s reputation as a ‘serious player’ among the Midlands’ business community but also the services we are able to offer through this recession and beyond.”

Oliver added: “I regularly came into contact with Irwin Mitchell on a professional footing, as I looked after the planning interests of a company while other elements of the property legal requirements were managed by the team at Irwin Mitchell.

“We developed a mutual respect for each other and so, when I became aware that Irwin Mitchell was again expanding its business services’ capabilities, I recognised that this was a real opportunity.  I look forward to contributing not only to the continuing success of this growing practice but also to the enviable reputation of this dynamic international law firm.”

Many business clients regard Irwin Mitchell as a ‘law firm for life’ because of the breadth of legal expertise it offers, including:

• Compliance & regulatory
• Corporate
• Dispute resolution
• Employment
• Private Client services (family, wills, trusts & probate, conveyancing)
• Insolvency, rescue & recovery
• Intellectual property
• Property & planning
• Wealth management

Oliver, who lives in Sinton Green, Worcestershire, will work primarily in the Birmingham offices of Irwin Mitchell, drafting and negotiating planning and related infrastructure agreements and providing planning advice.  His expertise includes advising on the preparation of environmental statements and issues relating to listed building, conservation areas and compulsory purchases.

In addition, he has acted for developers in relation to High Court challenges and earned a reputation for advising on highways issues. His client experience includes developers, housebuilders, registered providers, local authorities and retailers and he intends to build on his reputation as a leader in his field of planning, as recognised by Chambers and Partners in their 2009 UK directory.

Outside of work, Oliver is kept busy as the father of three young children, whom he hopes will grow to share his passion for cheering on local rugby club, Guinness Premiership side Worcester Warriors.